Wednesday, February 13, 2008 4:27 AM

2007 Flame of Hope Gala American Indian College Fund
United Nations, New York City
November 8, 2007

The American Indian College Fund Gala known as the “Flame of Hope” was held on November 8, 2007 at the United Nations.  The fund was launched in 1989 to raise funds from corporations, foundations, and individuals to meet the scholarship need of students in more than 30 tribal colleges. Adhering to its motto, “Educating the Mind and Spirit”, rigorous academics are combined with cultural traditions and knowledge, to create a positive learning experience for American Indian students. The fund is the nation’s largest provider of private scholarships for these students. These tribal colleges also provide critical services to their surrounding communities and play a vital role in the future of American Indian people.

The evening was brilliantly and beautifully staged with American Indians in their native dress engaging in conversation with the curious and posing for photos for those seeking mementoes of the evening’s event. The guests were treated to a festive native dance and song reminiscence of the early days of the American Indians, by the Redhawk Dance Troupe, during both the opening and closing ceremonies. The dance troupe is comprised of Native performing artists who educate and delight audiences by interpreting and presenting social, traditional, and contemporary dances in full regalia.  Their dances reflect the rich history of tribes from across the country. For the evening the troupe performed the men’s grass dance, fancy dance, traditional style dance and the hoop dance.

Guests were welcomed to the evening’s gala by Vanessa Short Bull whose American Indian name is Oglala Lakota. Vanessa was born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and a direct descendent of Chief Red Cloud, Young Man Afraid of His Horses, Little Wound and the Ghost Dance leader Short Bull. Vanessa is a Second Lieutenant Medical Service Corps Officer in the Army Reserve and is the training and outreach coordinator for the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board. Vanessa was also the first American Indian to win the titles of Miss South Dakota USA 2000 and Miss South Dakota 2002 becoming the only women of any nationality in South Dakota to garner both state titles.

Opening remarks were made by Richard B. Williams, President of the American Indian College Fund.  The Corporate Leadership Award was presented to Toyota; the Media Award was presented to the New York Times Advertising Department, the Volunteer Award to Judith Gott.  Although Mary Beth Jiron was unable to attend to deliver her student presentation, Trivia Afraid of Lightning delivered a heart wrenching powerful and uplifting student presentation that showcased her strength and ability to overcome triumph over adversity and trauma. She shed tears but not in vain as she brought the audience along with her on her journey from sadness and fear to hope and determination.  She was given a standing ovation.

To top off the evening was a special performance given by The Bacon Brothers band, lead by Kevin Bacon, critically acclaimed actor on vocals, guitar, harmonica, and percussion, and his older brother Michael Bacon on vocals, guitar, and cello. The audience was delightfully entertained with the band’s style of self-expression and humor. In the eight years of recording and touring, the band has become a top live draw and continues to build momentum.

We at Liberty News like to thank Ms Lucia Novara for her kind invite for more information feel free to view the website at www.collegefund.org

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