Indigenous Women RISE
Founded in 2015
Program Overview
STANDING ROCK: November of 2015, Red Nation Celebration Institute partnered with Hawkwing, Inc. to bring several Native Youth of the ‘One Mind Youth Movement’ to Los Angeles. These young people led the inaugural Indigenous Women RISE Climate Change March held during Red Nation International Film Festival. These same youth were invited to sing an honor song at RNCI Red Nation Awards Show.
Upon returning home to North Dakota from Los Angeles, these same youth had a hand in establishing the first resistance camp against the Dakota Access Pipeline –– Sacred Stone –– in April of 2016. They would go on to petition the federal government for redress, running in relay nearly 2000 miles to speak face to face with the Army Corp of Engineers in Washington, DC. Their inspired action sparked the support of tribal leadership, and eventually Woke the World to the Resistance at Standing Rock, generating one of the biggest social movements of our time. This is an illustration of what can happen when you make a commitment to youth, and put serious time and energy into honoring their good work: inspiration and courage are strongly nourished –– and will prove to be contagious.
November 2016, Red Nation International Film Festival honored Standing Rock Nation and Chairman, Dave Archambault II at the RNCI Red Nation Awards. RNCI led the very first conversation about Standing Rock to the entertainment industry at large during the Red Nation International Film Festival. In addition, Red Nation International Film Festival screened a short film by filmmaker Josue Rivas. This film screened 44 times during the Festival and was the first film produced out of Standing Rock.
Climate Change Environmental Justice
STANDING ROCK started with Native YOUTH when they were invited to lead the First Indigenous Women RISE March held Red Nation International Film Festival in Los Angeles – November 2015 and went on to organize the run to Washington DC to speak out against the Dakota Access pipeline. Native Youth Woke the World to Standing Rock & Beyond. Supported by our WOMEN, backed by our ELDERS & ANCESTORS.
