Send2Press Newswire

Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Stephen Schneider Hails Tribal Snow Contributions: 'Whatever Works, Go For It!'

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 12:02:02 GMT

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "I think it is wonderful that ski areas have been inviting the tribes back to ski and snowboard, which inspired them this winter to share their earth-honoring prayers and snowdances for all U.S. Ski Areas. It would be wise to further explore and expand such cross-fertilization," said Stanford Climatologist Dr. Stephen Schneider, 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Winner as part of the Intergovernmental Panel for Change Climate (IPCC) team, who has been working with the Native Voices Foundation.

"Because large scale systems affect our complex weather, it is difficult to say which elements affect the precipitation outcome most, so one needs to work with all sides of the street. It would be foolish to dismiss anything that helps in this environmental crisis, especially if it costs almost nothing," said the former skier.

Professor Schneider has been chief writer on IPCC's Team for 20 years, Aspen SkiCo's consultant, Squaw Valley's climate conference speaker, and Tom Brokaw's expert on his HBO Global Warming Special. The Nobel Laureate bikes to work and uses natural household products as cancer and pollution prevention, given its link to glacier melting (ref: mindfully.org/Air/2003/Home-Chemicals-Smog9mar03.htm).

"What combination of practical and spiritual solutions might have contributed to 'America's record snow season,' is not a matter of measurable science, but a matter of belief. Communities like Aspen Valley and this year, Arizona's Snow Bowl, uniting to give good stewardship, along with group prayer, psychologically serves as a support system that gives the feeling of belonging and hope. So whatever you believe works, go for it," he advises.

"Last year Stanford's Woods Institute on the Environment, of which I am a Senior Fellow, launched an environmental exchange starting with the (NZ) Maori and Hawaiian tribes, which has expanded our understanding and way of working in more harmony with Nature," said the professor. "That is why we are following the National Ski Areas Association's lead in partnering with American Indian Elders to help 'Keep Winters Cool,' thanks to a meeting with a team from Native Voices Foundation (NVF)," he said.

It included America's Cup Winner Dick Enersen, Kirk Casselman, working on putting an Elder on Yale's Forestry faculty, and Olympic skier and NVF co-founder Suzy "Chapstick" Chaffee, along with Winona Simms, Stanford's Native Studies director.

This snow bridge was made possible by the Faraway, Enersen, and Calvert K.Collins Foundations; Tex Hall (ND's Mandan-Arikara-Hidatsu), former President of the National Congress of American Indians; Ambassador Gilbert Robinson (Ret.); Moose and Ann Taylor; and Send2Press(R) Newswire (www.Send2Press.com), a unit of Neotrope(R).

Native Voices Foundation (NVF) is a non profit 501(c)3 Colorado partnership of U.S. Tribal leaders, Elders and Olympians, "To create joyful unity through sports and education to help heal Mother Earth."

More information: www.snow-riders.org.

All trademarks acknowledged.

*(PHOTO Link 72dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/08-0620-NVFgroup_72dpi.jpg)

*(Photo Caption: Graduating Hawaiian and Maori Stanford Fellows and Native Voices Foundation's (2nd from left) Dick Enersen and Olympic skier Suzy Chaffee, who have been exploring tribal solutions to "Keep Winters Cool" with Nobel Laureate Dr. Stephen Schneider.)

*(PHOTO Link 72dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/08-0620-NVFschndr_72dpi.jpg)

*(Photo Caption: 2007 Nobel Laureate, Dr. Stephen Schneider, Stanford Climatologist, whose institute has been exploring solutions to "Keeping Winters Cool" with American Indian, Hawaiian and Maori Tribes.)

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Intergovernmental Panel for Change Climate, Native Voices Foundation

Ski Areas End 'Awesome Season' with Gratitude Ceremonies

Fri, 02 May 2008 15:36:35 GMT

ASPEN, Colo., May 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "On Closing Day at Spirit Mountain, Wisconsin, 14 year old 'Honor the Earth Princess,' Mariah Cooper (Ojibwe-Oneida), a Native American Olympic Hopeful, led their first Snow Gratitude Ceremony. They joined Steamboat, Telluride, Ascutney (Vt) and Arizona SnowBowl in ceremonies during April expressing appreciation for one of America's best snow years," said amazed Olympic skier Suzy "Chapstick" Chaffee, Native Voices Foundation's (NVF) facilitator.

"Just like people, Mother Earth and Creator, respond favorably to appreciation," say Tribal Elders.

The phenomena followed an international prayer on December 10, orchestrated by NVF, in partnership with the 13 tribes of Arizona plus California and Colorado, to inspire natural snow at all U.S. Ski Areas to safeguard America's water. Arizona SnowBowl was blessed with six feet, which protected its sacred San Francisco Peaks and other drought-challenged ski areas from needing to use wastewater in snowmaking, with unfilterable pharmaceuticals.

Nearby Flagstaff TV aired NVF's Christmas Snow Gratitude Prayer, and the snowblessings continued. Sedona Environmental Scientist, Matthew Turner, praises Flagstaff's biodiesel mass transit and NAU's 22,000 students switching to Green Cleaning, for contributing to Snow Bowl's comeback.

"This was our record snowfall," said Steamboat's Olympian Billy Kidd at their first Gratitude Ceremony. "The dancers and Elders from our 'Ute Future Olympians Ski Program,' touched everyone."

Chaffee hosted Telluride's Ute Mountain Gratitude Ceremony, also honoring Kit and Calvert Collins, America's Cup-winner Dick Enersen, and the late Loey Ringquist, a pioneering supporter. Eddie (and Betty) Box Jr, who joined December's snow prayer, also participated, following the visionary pathway of his father, 'Red Ute,' former Southern Ute Tribal Council member.

"Tsunamis of Appreciation to Red Ute and the Cloud Clan for transforming their Rain-dance to the first Snow-dance. And to Vail's Bob Parker and Dick Houseman for desperately asking them to help end their opening drought in 1963," said Chaffee. (CBS' Huntley-Brinkley Report - snow-riders.org/mir.html).

Aspen, the "Greenest Resort in North America," just closed with their annual (N) Ute Gratitude Ceremony/ski program, the most splendid of all. Given Aspen's now consistently abundant snowfall, the Snow Gods must love these practical-spiritual solutions.

NVF is a Colorado 501(c)3 partnership of U.S. Tribal leaders, Elders and Olympians, and sponsored by Send2Press.com (a unit of Neotrope(R)), "to create joyful unity thru sports/education to help heal Mother Earth for all our children."

All trademarks acknowledged.

Send2Press(R) is the originating wire service for this story.

NEWS SOURCE: Native Voices Foundation

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Olympic Hopeful Mariah Cooper, Native Voices Foundation

Spooner Brings Indian Youth Closer to London Olympics

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:36:08 GMT

SPOONER, Wis., April 21 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- With the sparring behind the scenes rivaling the boxing superstars in the ring, Native Voices Foundation's (NVF) "Future Olympian's Day Benefit in Spooner April 16, turned out an uplifting landmark for American Indian youth competing in the London Olympics," according to Olympic skier, Suzy "Chapstick" Chaffee, NVF's organizer.

World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Joe Hipp (Blackfeet), 2003 Native American Heavyweight Champion Harry Funmaker ("Ho-Chunk Hammer"), and South Dakota Golden Gloves director, Chissie Spencer (Seminole), wowed the region's rising stars with priceless coaching, and fans with exciting sparring at the Northwest Sports Complex.

"I'm thrilled how the benefit united Indian Country's leading casinos behind developing youth for Vancouver's 2010 and London's 2012 Olympics," said Barry ZeVan, beloved Minneapolis weatherman and original PR Director for Grand Casino Mille Lacs. Chaffee honored ZeVan there for raising her tribal consciousness 15 years ago, and producing "American Indian Homelands," an award-winning eye-opener.

gaiashkibos (Lac Courte Oreilles), National Congress of American Indians Secretary, joined Chaffee in welcoming and cheering on Future Olympians in boxing, skiing and archery... "I am committed to helping give Indian youth their Olympic Dreams," he said.

"gaiashkibos could have been an Olympic basketball contender if his community could have afforded to give him a hand," said Suzy. "Now together we can," he said. For standing up for Indian youth, Nancy Cooper (Ojibwe), the coordinator, honored him with a buffalo robe.

"Whenever our people can get Olympic quality coaching and conditioning, they win championships," said Stonehorse Goeman, Seneca Marshal Arts Champion and conditioning-coach for Indian Olympic Boxing talent at Foxwood's Casino.

"America Indians invented the roots of 10 Olympic sports (http://nativevoices.org/articles/tribal_gifts.htm), and partnered with Ski Utah to end their pre-Olympic drought (snow-riders.org/mir.html). As MVP's, it's high time they're included in humanity's Greatest Celebration on Earth," said Chaffee.

"Only one Native American woman, Naomi Lange (Karuk ice-dancer), has competed in the Modern Olympics," said Cooper, whom Suzy called a "Heavyweight Champion for youth."

Sponsors included: The Landing, St Croix Trails Dancers & Travel, White Birch Printing, NuStevia-sweetener, Send2Press.com, and Northwest Indian NewsTV. Joined with Native Report (PBS), youth in 15 states plus Canada can get Spooner's skiing and boxing coaching and stay "clean and lean."

NVF is a Colorado 501(c)3 non-profit, cross-cultural partnership developing Native American talent for Olympic Teams.

IMAGE 72dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/08-0421-Spooner_72dpi.jpg

*(Photo Caption: (L-R) Olympic Archery Hopeful Nachole Soulier (St Croix) with Heavyweight Boxing Champions, Joe Hipp and Harry Funmaker, Ski Hopeful Mariah Cooper (Ojibwe-Oneida), and Olympic skier Suzy Chaffee, coaching youth at Spooner's "Future Olympians Benefit." Photo: Terrell Boetcher.)

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Native Voices Foundation, Indian youth olympic hopefuls

World Heavyweight Champion, Joe Hip, to Coach Indian Youth and Spar at Spooner, Wisconsin's Olympic Hopefuls Benefit

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:14:21 GMT

SPOONER, Wis., April 11 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Native Voices Foundation (NVF) is hosting a "Future Olympian's Day" Benefit in Spooner, Wisconsin, on April 16, at their Northwest Sports Complex. "Thanks to Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World, Joe Hip (Blackfeet), and 2003 Native American Heavyweight Champion, Harry Funmaker ('Ho-Chunk Hammer') coaching the region's rising stars, this may be a launching pad for Indian youth finally getting coaching to compete in future Olympic," according to Olympic skier, Suzy "Chapstick" Chaffee, NVF's organizer.

"While our benefit suffered a setback when Evander Holyfield had to bow out, it is uniting Indian Country's heavyweights behind helping their youth grab their Olympic dreams," said Chaffee.

"We're impressed with the Olympic Hopefuls that NVF helped develop (www.snow-riders.org) and together we'll be meeting with other like-minded Casinos, like the Mohegan Sun and Senecas, to formulate a 4 year plan for pro teams and Olympians to assist in training youth for the London Olympics," said Stonehorse Goeman. The Seneca Marshal Arts Champion, mentored by Tom Coulter, Olympic coaching legend, is conditioning coach for Native American Olympic Boxing talent at Foxwood's Casino.

From 1-4 p.m., the Native American Boxing Superstars will clinic top regional boxers from Team Amos, Red Lake, Mo Lake, plus Lakotas. The public is welcome to observe, or attend a talk by Chissie Spencer, top boxing promoter, who'll share how to steer clear of pitfalls to being a champion of sports and life. Chaffee will also be planting more Olympic ski dreams at her clinic.

At 7 p.m., Native American Olympic Ski Hopeful, Mariah Cooper (Lac Courte-Oreille-Oneida) will open the event with a prayer-signing. Gosh Kibos, Secretary of the National Congress of American Indians, and Suzy will then welcome everyone.

Hip and Funmaker will perform exciting sparring and share how they overcame obstacles. But the stars of the evening are the youth demonstrating their sparring and technique to reveal Olympic Boxing potential. Talent going to the North American Indigenous Games in Vancouver in August will be honored, including by Mark Soulier's St. Croix Trails Dancers. $10 tickets can be purchased at the door.

Sponsors include: The Landing, St Croix Travel, White Birch Printing, Northwest Indian NewsTV, NuStevia.

NVF is a Colorado 501(c)3 non profit partnership developing Native American talent for Olympic Teams.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Native Voices Foundation, boxing champion Joe Hip

Six Year-Old Indian Is Nastar National Ski Champion

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:43:19 GMT

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo., March 26 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "I won the gold because everyone helped me," said 6 year-old Oglala-Sioux, Delaney Tyon, at Nastar's National Ski Championships, according to Olympic skier Suzy "Chapstick" Chaffee, co-chair of Native Voices Foundation (NVF). The event including Canada and Australia, was held at Steamboat Springs, Colorado, last week.

"I'm so proud of Delaney," said Olympian Billy Kidd (Abenaki), now Captaining the Native American Olympic Ski Team. "He's the fastest six-year-old on skis. Four runs means he was consistently fast," said Kidd, who put Delaney and his grandparents, Kathy and Lou of Pine Ridge, SD, under his wing, including jobs. And the pint-sized phenomenon got coaching at Steamboat's Winter Sports Club, producer of over 60 Olympians.

"Both Native American Olympic Hopefuls, Dalaney and Mariah Cooper (14 yr old Lac Court Oreille), are a joy to work with. They're smart, fun, great kids and students," said Billy. As NVF board members, he and Chaffee are assisting Native youth with opportunities to compete in the Olympics. While training with the best, Mariah, who "prayer signed" for two Wisconsin Governor's events, was inspired to honor Delaney with a ceremony after his earlier victory, saying, "He's a very nice boy."

Delaney's mom, Misty Tyon, first contacted NVF through www.SNOW-RIDERS.ORG, after Dalaney was featured on Rapid City TV for "skiing like a Pro" (www.Rezriders.org). Delaney credited his Grandpa Lou, Derren Derosier, Terry Peak's Ski School Director, and watching people, for his technique.

Mariah fell in love with skiing after Billy and Suzy inspired Ski Industry leaders to donate 60 pair of skis so Indian youngsters could compete in Wisconsin's 2003 Birkebeiner X-Country Race (14 countries). Last year, Mariah placed 2nd in her age group.

"I found Suzy also on the internet and she and Billy made it possibly for my parents, Dale and Nancy, and I to get my dream coaching to compete in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics."

"Mariah is another beautiful 'clean and lean' role model. Also competing in track in September's North American Indigenous Games in Vancouver, Mariah was voted to represent the voice of Indian youth on NVF's board," said Chaffee.

NVF is a non-profit Colorado 501(c)3, partnership of U.S. Tribal leaders, Elders and Olympians. Their mission is "To create joyful unity through sports and education to help heal Mother Earth for all our children."

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, ski champion Delaney Tyon, Native Voices Foundation

Half of Humanity to Raise Earth Vibration on 777 - A Message of Love, Oneness and Hope from St Francis

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 23:20:00 GMT

SEDONA, Ariz. - July 3 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- On 7.7.07, Vice President Al Gore and LIVE EARTH musicians, whom some call "Modern Day Shaman," may be playing the biggest roles of their lives, along with traditional Shaman (Indigenous Elders). Together they may be inspiring half of our Earth Family - 3 billion - to lift the vibration of Earth through joyous song, prayer and ceremonies. Shaman help unite heaven and earth for society, according to Olympic skier Suzy "Chapstick" Chaffee, co-chairman of Native Voices Foundation (NVF), which orchestrates Elders-led World Prayers.

"Bless the hearts of VP Gore, Avaaz, SOS, and Shaman for inspiring two billion Earth Citizens to do right for Mother Earth and her children. Added to NVF's billion participating in our Elders-led World Prayers and Ceremonies (See www.snow-riders.org), this is an opportunity to create a synchronized opening of hearts by simply focusing on love for each other and Earth," said scientist Sperry Andrews. Founder of the Human Connection Institute, Andrews connects the 100 million Oneness Network of quantum physicists, Indian avatars, Oneness University.

"777 is a monumental opportunity for our Earth Family to come together, thanks to round the clock TV coverage that exceeds any War coverage. Something to celebrate," said Jan Roberts, U.N. Sustainability Education Committee and President of Earth Charter U.S., whose 2,500 organizations support the Elders-led Prayers.

"More are seeking guidance during these uncertain times from the Spirit World, like our Indigenous ancestors. Half of humanity was Indigenous in 1850, before the oil boom reduced them to 5%. Half of humanity is again honoring Earth on 777, a good sign," said Bob Gough, Secretary of Native Wind/Intertribal Coup, a Native American Olympic Sponsor. Winner of a World Clean Energy Oscar(R) last week, their Carbon Offsets program is supported by VP Gore, more good signs.

ST FRANCIS' MESSAGE
The Patron Saint of Animals and Ecology who lived in harmony with Nature like an Indigenous Elder, and joyfully sang everywhere he went, is perhaps the most revered Saint/Ascended Master by mainstream and Native cultures.

"Starting on 777, visualize Mother Earth is the heartbeat of the universe, as your planet is the melting pot of the stars. First align your body, mind and spirit to come into Oneness with self and your true power. If your intent is to spread love, peace and joy, (like Shaman), you may feel a part of an ecstatic heart-opening of humanity and Oneness (like a Rock Concert from heaven!), which creates a healing love ripple permeating Earth and then the Cosmos.

Take advantage of that opportunity on 777. Direct energy where it is environmentally needed. Humanity has been quite careless, has overpopulated, and is in need of alternative energies. Those who have been squelching technology invented to help humanity are going to see the Light."

Other messages suggest we purify our drinking water and oceans for whales and dolphins (and food supply), who are exhausted lifting the planet to a healthy vibration by simply switching to natural cleaners. It also cuts cancer and global warming almost in half. (www.mindfully.org/Air/2003/Home-Chemicals-Smog9mar03.htm).

"Since they say our every thought affects Earth's vibe, we should kick start our 'Mission Ignition' and join a Live Earth Party and Prayer group (ideally led by a Shaman...) at a high vibrational place in Nature (water, mountains...). Together on 777, we can transform any fear into unconditional love of self and each other, turning our LIVE Earth into a flowering Mecca," said Chaffee.

Native Voices Foundation (www.nativevoices.org) is a Colorado 502(c)3 non-profit partnership of U.S. Tribal leaders, Elders and Olympians, to "create joyful unity through sports to help heal Earth for all our children."

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Live Earth Day prayer, Native Voices Foundation

Native American Olympic Sponsor Wins World Clean Energy Oscar(R)

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 23:21:00 GMT

Intertribal COUP's 'Native Wind' honored in Switzerland

BASIL, Switzerland - July 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "At the first World Clean Energy Awards in Basel's Congress Center, Intertribal COUP's NativeEnergy, a partnership of 12 Great Plains Tribes, was honored as 'one of the world's premier projects promoting large-scale use of renewable energies,'" according to Native Voices Foundation's Tex Hall, former President of the National Congress of American Indians.

"As a proud sponsor of the Native American Olympic Teams, Intertribal COUP/Native Wind(.org) is happy to help lower America's giant carbon footprint to also help strengthen the future of snow sports and Winter Olympics," said Secretary Robert Gough, on returning from accepting the award with President Patrick Spears.

*(Photo Caption: L-R - Intertribal COUP's Patrick Spears and Bob Gough receive "World Clean Energy Courage Award" in Basel.)

A high-profile jury of experts picked nine winners from Abu Dhabi, China, India, Kenya, Sweden; and American Indians won the "Special Award for Courage" for their innovative Demonstration Environmental Justice Revitalization Project Plan, initiated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe to build utility scale wind projects on Great Plains reservations.

Andre Schneider, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Economic Forum said, "Jurors were struck with the innovations involved with mainstreaming utility scale wind power onto America's western transmission grid and the collective work of American Indian Tribes whose cultural and spiritual values underscore respect for, and the protection of Earth and her resources."

Intertribal COUP includes: Cheyenne River; Flandreau Santee; Lower Brule; Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara; Omaha; Rosebud; Sisseton; Spirit Lake; Pine Ridge and Standing Rock Sioux Tribes. Home to America's richest wind resources and poorest communities, led to COUP acquiring NativeEnergy.

"We are deeply honored and humbled by the world's recognition coming from Tribes seeking to build sustainable economies with good paying jobs for healthy futures for our children," said Spears.

"While making America more energy and weather secure, tribes can help meet Kyoto's renewable energy goals of ICLEI and U.S. Conference of Mayors' cities," said Gough.

Last winter NativeEnergy(.com) partnered with students at Vermont's Middlebury College to create the world's first Zero Carbon Ski Area, Middlebury Snow Bowl. Vice President Gore even supports NE's Carbon Offsets model.

Native Voices Foundation is a Colorado 501(c)3 non-profit partnership of U.S. Tribal leaders and Olympians to "create joyful unity through sports to heal Earth for all our children."

More information about NVF: www.nativevoices.org/

All trademarks acknowledged.

The cost of this news announcement was donated to the NVF by the staff of Neotrope® and Send2Press®.

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Native Voices Foundation, World Clean Energy Courage Award

Arctic Elders Invite All to Join 'Mother of All Earth Prayers' May 31

Tue, 29 May 2007 22:00:00 GMT

With Ceremonies at Mexico's Mt. Kushumaa to Keep Poles Cool

ARCTIC VILLAGE, Alaska - May 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- On May 31, 2007, the Arctic Elders invite you, as a member of our Earth Family, to join them, in the following Prayer of love and appreciation to Mother Earth. On that day also, Indigenous Elders will lead ceremonies at Northern Mexico's mystical Mt. Kushumaa during Earthdance8(.org). "Our intent is to further rebalance Mother Earth and Her weather for our children, including helping keep the polar ice caps cool," said Olympian Suzy "Chapstick" Chaffee, co-founder of Native Voices Foundation, the orchestrator.

*(Photo Caption: Ravendancer Gene Tagaban (Tlingit-Cherokee-Filipino), Native American Olympic Snowboard Hopeful, dances for global transformation and honor.)

Matthew Gilbert, a Gwichin Athabascan climatologist, said "We appreciate all the help we can get up here. It is awesome how the temperatures dropped in Europe and the snow returned this winter after the Elders led the billion person prayer. What gave it extra power was 55 Elders of the Americas simultaneously leading ceremonies at high vibrational sacred sites throughout the Peruvian Andes, which moved my grandfather, Elder Reverend Trimble Gilbert."

ARCTIC-LED PRAYER
Creator (of all names) we give you thanks for your wonderful creation. You are related to everything you made. We are asking you with one voice to help us renew Mother Earth. Give us strength to respect one-another, like brothers and sisters, to help your creation. The Power of Your voice is like lightening waking us up to be true Earth Guardians.

O men and women of the earth. Please humbly pray with the holy ones for all our wildlife: including our polar bears, fish, birds, the return of the bees, and for all our air, water, soil, rain, snow, ice and food supply that all People need to be healthy and happy. Send your good spirit upon every country, Creator.

And have mercy and guide each of us so our children may continue to survive and thrive here in harmony. When the hearts of our Earth Family melt together through this purification, the contaminants of Mother Earth will transform into a flowering Mecca. Our hearts are full of thanks for your love, as well as blessings for our Earth Mother. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
- Rev Trimble Gilbert

The Arctic Prayer was a result of the positive response from Mother Earth in Europe, which inspired many to want to continue this monthly, led by Elders in the most challenged regions.

"Scientists say if humanity converted to clean fuels today, it would still take a decade to slow down global warming," said Flores Kestner (Cortina Tribe), associate member of the National Tribal Environmental Council.

"NASA Satellites revealed that 'vast regions of Antarctica have also melted.' Together we can help keep the polar ice caps cool to protect our way of life and that of all coastal people," said Matthew, who is organizing a Global Warming Gathering with 30 Elders in Alaska's Arctic Village August 22-28.

"We are grateful that the NRDC, with Bobby Kennedy Jr. as Sr. attorney, is one of the sponsors, though we need more help, and that Prince Albert (Lakota adoptee) led a North Pole Expedition last spring that raised global awareness," said Matthew.

"Science has not served us as I once thought, so I'm turning to spiritual solutions. The Elders have made a believer of me," said Texan-Tellurider Kit Collins, a supporter.

Another supporter, Ambassador Gilbert A. Robinson, former chairman of the National Bible Association, said: "Whatever problems we have on earth, prayer can be an effective healer."

"We bless every Elder, network leader, supporter and participant (see http://www.snow-riders.org/network.html), as each plays an irreplaceable role in healing and rebalancing Mother Earth," said Woody Vaspra, (Hawaiian-Chinese), World Council of Elders President, who wrote the first World Prayer. "Go to a place sacred to you to amplifier your loving prayers."

Native Voices Foundation is a Colorado non-profit 501c3 partnership of US Tribal leaders, Elders and Olympians, whose mission is "to create joyful unity through sports and education to help heal Mother Earth for all our children."

Contact: Native Voices Foundation, 110 Sugarloaf Drive, Sedona, Arizona, 86336, USA. Tel: 323-493-3877.

Online: www.SNOW-RIDERS.ORG and www.nativevoices.org.

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, World Council of Elders, Native Voices Foundation

Lightning Strikes at Telluride's Ute Ceremony

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 19:04:00 GMT

TELLURIDE, Colo. - Apr. 19 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Thunder, lightning, snow then sunshine heralded a touching Gratitude Ceremony in Telluride's Mountain Village on Closing Weekend led by 13 Ute Mountain youth. "The bolt of lightning and half foot of powder perhaps had something to do with Ken Stone, Telski's Marketing Director, announcing developing a plan that would raise the bar nationally for partnerships between ski areas and tribes," said Olympic skier Suzy "Chapstick" Chaffee, co-founder of Native Voices Foundation.

At a pizza party that followed, Stone said, "Telski wants to greatly expand the number of ski passes and lessons to students showing improvement in school, along with a few scholarships to Olympian Johnny Moseley's Freestyle & Snowboard Camp here, and jobs for your tribal members.

*(Photo Caption: Ute Mt youth welcomed home to Telluride's Mt Village with Ute sculpture to ski, snowboard and celebrate by Telski and town leaders: L-R Rabbi Michael Saftler, Olympian Suzy Chaffee, Kit Collins (cowboy hat) and Mayor David Glynn. Atop, Timber Manning holds baby eagle feather. Credit: Karen Goldman.)

Four year old Timber Manning, beaming from conquering the mountain, presented Stone, as well as Telski Events Director Katie Singer, with stunning Ute Mt Pottery Cups on behalf of the 13 Ute Mt kids and chaperones. Lisa, supermom of the renowned Manning Dancers, also offered to launch "Telluride's Ute Snowdance Days" next Thanksgiving, to help inspire the early snows, as well as dance in Telluride's fun 4th of July Parade, led by Grand Marshal General Norman Schwarzkopf, their hero.

At the Ceremony, Ophir's Mayor Glynn welcomed the Utes to their ancestral home. Lanzin Manning led a beautiful prayersong and gave tobacco to the 4 Directions in appreciation for the season's abundant snow. Ute Mt Princess Mayla Manning presented a bear T-shirt to Kit Collins, Telluride's Chief Nurturer, following the passing of Loey Ringquist, Suzy's Earth Mom, to whom she paid tribute.

Chaffee also presented Lisa and Nicole Foster, Youth Coordinator, with boxes of NuStevia, Proud Sponsor of the Native American Olympic Teams. "This tribal-discovered tasty sweetener doesn't raise blood sugar and keeps you lean, clean and fast," she explained.

"We are so grateful to the Utes and Telluriders, especially Telski, Rollingbears (Lakota) and the General, for planting the seed 12 years ago, which resulted in a billion Earth Family members participating in an Elders-led Prayer for our Mother Earth on Valentine's Day (Feb 14th). Together giving Her love and appreciation brought the snows back to Europe, suffering from the warmest winter in 1,250 years," said Chaffee.

"There's no downside to these 'Spiritual Solutions to Rebalance Mother Earth,' and it's almost free," said Texas-born Collins. "Perhaps this should be called 'Karmic Offsets,'" said Rabbi Michael Saftler, a Native Voices Foundation (NVF) founder.

NVF is a Colorado 501(c)3 partnership of U.S. Tribal leaders, Elders and Olympians, whose mission is "to create joyful unity through sports and education to help heal Mother Earth for all our children."

Text provided by the news source, Native Voices Foundation.
PHOTO LINK: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/07-0319-NVFute_72dpi.jpg

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Native Voices Foundation, Native American Olympic Teams

Billion Person Prayer Brings Snow to Europe - General Schwarzkopf Saluted by Olympians

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 16:00:00 GMT

ASCUTNEY, Vt. - Mar. 25 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Following a billion praying to help heal our Earth Mother of the man-made part of the global warming starting on February 14 - U.S. Valentines Day and New Years for many cultures - "She" responded! "We were blessed in February with enough snow to turn spring into winter so our European ski areas could open. Thank you, thank you," reported French Princess Caroline Murat, Native Voices Foundation's (NVF) Euro leader "of the Napoleon Tribe."

"Snow sports and Winter Olympics lovers were given hope and empowerment that by praying together we can help balance the weather and slow down the global warming," agreed the amazed organizers Mary Ho, a China Olympic host as President of the China Millennium Council, and Olympic skier Suzy Chaffee, NVF co-chair.

*(Photo Caption: (L-R) Mark Fitzgerald, Olympians Naomi Lang (Karuk) and Suzy Chaffee with scientist Sperry Andrews, at Tampa's DeBartolo Benefit, honoring General Norman H. Schwarzkopf for inspiring Colorado's Telluride SkiCo to share free skiing with the ancestral Utes, which led to turning around Europe's "catastrophic" snow drought in February.)

At the DeBartolo Family Foundation Benefit in Tampa, Florida in late February, Olympians Naomi Lang (ice dancer, Karuk tribe) Chaffee and scientist Sperry Andrews saluted General Schwarzkopf for helping plant the seed for Europe's snowblessings, which also ended droughts in the Midwest and New England. In his 1999 letter to Telluride's owners, the skiing General said, "It is entirely appropriate that Telski donate free skiing to members of the Ute Tribe. Native Americans were the original conservationists recognizing the impact of the environment and wildlife on the quality of life of human beings."

As a result, the program snowballed to 70 ski areas, which inspired Elders in 10 states to help their ski areas, (snow-riders.org miracles/index.html), and the SnowSports Industries of America and Stanford University to partner with Elders around the world to help "Keep Winters Cool." So when the IOC confirmed that Europe was having the warmest winter in 1,250 years, Woody Vaspra (Hawaiian-Chinese), fellow Viet Nam (pilot) Vet and athlete turned President of the World Council of Elders, graciously led the World Prayer so Native American youth and all youth have a chance to enjoy snow sports and compete in future Winter Olympics.

"I'm glad Europe finally got its winter because snowmelt is vital to the cycles of life. The World Prayer showed us that when our Earth Family unites to express our love and appreciation to Mother Earth, we can help heal Her, as scientists now agree that the warming is primarily man-made. This buys us time for our long range sustainable practices to take affect. We need to continue these prayers for the whole planet, especially to help the Arctic Circle, Australia, Africa, and other regions in the future," said Vaspra. "Following all traditions, please all join us in a Prayer of Gratitude for Europe's blessed snow," he said.

"We thank you Creator (other Source) for helping us with our prayer to assist our Mother Earth. We have become quite aware of what we need to do to help ourselves. It is time now that we take on our responsibilities to honor and care for our wonderful planet. We are working very hard to reunite as One Family. Again, we thank you for giving us your love, your help and your trust to retake our responsibilities," said Woody Vaspra, World Council of Elders.

Aspen (Ascutney, Vt.) hosts an annual Ute Snow Gratitude Ceremony on April 14th, during Closing Weekend, which does wonders for conditions and continuing their abundant snows. As water, proven by photographs of snow crystals in Dr Emoto's NY Times Bestseller, "Messages from Water," is a living, loving organism, like Mother Earth.

"We are grateful to all those who joined the Elders Prayer, especially our network leaders: UN NGO member Jan Roberts, Earth CharterUS President, Andrews, director of Human Connection Institute of the Oneness Network, Apache Elder Valerie Nunez, Abenaki Chief Nancy Lyons and Rick Hunt, Yellowbird's Earthdance 8 in Peru, as well as the DeBartolos, Stanford's Dick Enersen, Kit and Calvert Collins Foundation, and Ambassador Gil Robinson, for helping make this breakthrough possible," said Chaffee.

"Finally collective consciousness is being factored into the Global Cooling Solution," applauded Roberts and Andrews.

"Thank you all for your warrior courage and spirit of light to inform our Earth Family that prayer can veer us off this road to extinction," said Flordemayo (Mayan) of the Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers from the Arctic Circle to the Amazon. "In unity we can pass on something we can be proud of to our youth of tomorrow."

"The World Council of Elders and NVF, both 501(c)3 Colorado non-profits, are seeking supporters to assist the Elders with expenses to also step up leading earth healing ceremonies (that stopped beetle bug epidemic in S.Cal) at sacred sites around the world," said Vaspra. The mission of NVF's partnership of US Tribal leaders, Elders and Olympians is "to create joyful unity through sports and education to help heal Mother Earth for all our children."

Contact:
Woody Vaspra
www.worldcouncilofelders.org
wcoe4peace @earthlink.net

Suzy Chaffee
www.snow-riders.com
www.nativevoices.org
Suzynativevoices @aol.com

Mary Ho
www.chinafrontier.org
mary.ho @chinafrontier.com

Text provided by the news source.

Note: The cost of this news distribution was donated to the NVF by Neotrope / Send2Press.

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Native Voices Foundation, World Council of Elders

A Billion Praying to Re-Balance Earth - Invitation to Join Hearts for Our Earth Mother

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 21:00:00 GMT

MT. SHASTA, Calif. - Feb. 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- With Europe's warmest winter in 1,250 years putting the Winter Olympics at risk, a group representing over a billion are inviting our Earth Family to join in prayer, dance, and celebration this month of our unified love of our Mother Earth, starting Valentine's Day (Feb 14). "This expands on Americans celebrating our sweethearts on Valentine's Day, and unites with this month's Lunar New Year's celebrations and prayers of Asian and global faith communities," according to Mary Ho, President of the China Millennium Council, and Olympic skier, Suzy Chaffee, Native Voices Foundation (NVF) co-chair.

In December, NVF learned about "Europe's catastrophic weather," (following many Arctic Villagers losing way of life), through French Princess Caroline Murat, a NVF advisor. The call came just as Chaffee finished documenting a Dozen Snow, Rain & Temperature Miracles by American Indian Elders at US Ski Areas on: snow-riders.org/miracles/index.html. The press proof was requested by climate leaders of the American Indian Nations and Stanford University, who are also seeking collaborative solutions with Elders.

A copy of the prayer can be viewed as an 800x600 pixel 72dpi gif image, here:
send2press.com/mediaboom/07-0212-NVF-Send2Press.gif

On hearing from the IOC that most of their European World Cup Races have been canceled, Woody Vaspra (Hawaiian-Chinese), President of the World Council of Elders in almost every country, magnanimously offered the assistance of the Council's Indigenous Elders to step up ceremonies around the world to help heal and rebalance Earth's man-made part of the global warming. A former pro football and baseball star, Vaspra's effort is to help enhance the healthy future of Snow Sports and the Winter Olympics, also at the urging of the Native American Olympic Ski and Snowboard Team.

"Our indigenous peoples share a similar language and spirituality as the Navajo and can understand each other," said Mary Ho, a skier and member of the Clinton Global Initiative Team. She also wants to fortify their 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.

Vaspra formerly served on an International Committee Studying the Affects on Global Warming. Fellow NVF Advisor, HRH Prince Albert of Monaco, IOC member and Lakota adoptee, led a North Pole expedition last summer to raise awareness about Global Warming. Vice President Gore then suggested in his "Inconvenient Truth," to also pray. The Oscar nominee supports the Carbon Offsets of NativeEnergy.com/NativeWind.org, a sponsor of the Native American Olympic Bid and Team.

"To support the Elders ceremonies, our group that includes Jan Roberts, President of the (UN) Earth Charter US with 2,500 organizations, is globally distributing the following Prayer via press, e-mail, and soon on the Internet's 'You Tube.' With unified focus, Oneness scientists and Elders agree we can make a powerful difference toward restoring the natural balance of the Earth's Climate," assures Chaffee. She witnessed 10 years of priceless Elders' weather miracles, including before the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, in appreciation to 60 ski areas inviting nearby tribes home to ski and snowboard.

PRAYER SUPPORTERS SAY
"A group of our (UN) Earth Charter US members opened an event with the Elders' Prayer two weeks ago, and were delighted to hear that Europeans were blessed with some snow," said Jan Roberts, EC President.

"Indigenous Elders are Mother Earth's wisest caretakers and still know how to talk to Her," said Sperry Andrews. Director of the Human Connection Institute, Sperry and other eminent scientists, physicists, avatars of India, the Oneness University, are part of 100 million practicing Oneness Consciousness.

"Adopting sustainable practices is the long term solution. The Elders' ceremonies and our prayers are the most timely way to slow down global warming," said Kerrie Wilson, founder of Phoenixvoyage. (See upcoming US Cirque de Soleil-like fun Sustainability Ed events).

"We want to create more harmony between our cultures and Mother Earth," said Eddy Box Jr (S. Ute Elder), whose four generations helped save Vail from snow droughts since 1963. (Covered on CBS's Huntley-Brinkley Report).

"The World Council of Elders and NVF, both 501(c)(3) Colorado non-profits, are seeking supporters to assist the Elders with expenses (only) for these on-going ceremonies," said Vaspra. The mission of NVF's partnership of US Tribal leaders, Elders and Olympians is "to create joyful unity through sports and education to help heal Mother Earth for all our children."

More information about NVF: www.nativevoices.org.

Text provided by the news source. A portion of the cost of this announcement was donated by Send2Press.

Native Voices Foundation Celebrates Olympic Progress on 10th Anniversary

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 15:41:00 GMT

SEDONA, Ariz. - Dec. 6 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- On the 10th Anniversary of Native Voices Foundation, the board held an election and celebrated some "phenomenal" progress for Indian youth. As newly elected Co-Chairman, Gary Lake (Shasta Vice Chair) said, "A single tribe cannot get their youth to the Olympics, but together we can." "Thanks to key leaders of Indian Country uniting behind the Indian Olympic Bid, these dreams for their youth are within their grasp," according to re-elected Co-Chair, Suzy Chaffee, an Olympic skier.

"Sovereign Indian Nations have a higher legal status than our four US Territories who have their own Olympic Teams," said Jack Thorpe (Sac & Fox), son of Jim Thorpe, whom King Gustav of Sweden said: "You sir, are the greatest athlete in the world."

*(PHOTO Caption: Warlance Foster (Lakota-Navajo) Native American Olympic Basketball Team Hopeful for 2008 China. Fresh from Netherlands Astronauts Team where fans dressed Indian style, he is a lead scorer on "Gallop Outlaws" ABA Team.)

"If our Indian Nations now join together with mainstream sponsors to win the Olympic bid and finish finding and developing our elite talent, we have a good chance of marching under our own flag as a Native American Olympic Team at the 2008 China and 2010 Vancouver Olympics," said Jack, Special Advisor to the Native American Olympic Steering Committee.

"We are proud of our role model Olympic Hopefuls," said Woody Vaspra (Hawaiian) President of World Council of Elders, who is Chief Advisor to NVF and member of the Steering Committee. "Brandon Leslie, dubbed 'The next Billy Mills,' and Alvina Begay, a dietician, with assistance by their Navajo Nation, just qualified for the US Olympic Marathon Qualifications. NVF assisted Warlance Foster (Lakota-Navajo) in paving the way for a 'greased lightening' Native American Olympic Basketball Team for Beijing. Fresh from playing 1st string for the 'Netherlands Astronauts' (where his fans dress Indian style), Warlance is a leading scorer on the 'Gallop Outlaws' ABA Team," he added.

"We have some amazing talent on the Native American Olympic Ski and Snowboard Team, vying for the 2010 Vancouver Games," said Captain Billy Kidd. "Ross Anderson (Cheyenne/Marketing director Ski Apache), bronzed in the World Speed Skiing Championships last year and was the 'Fastest American on Skis' last year, clocked at 154mph. While speed skiing is not yet an Olympic sport, he could switch to Alpine Racing for Vancouver."

Lake assisted Naomi Lange (Karuk), America's five time National Ice Dancing Champion, who got a standing ovation at the 2002 Utah Olympics, with press recognition. "She is the only American Indian to make an Olympic Team in this Millennium," he points out. That is why Lake is spearheading his Shasta Nation's development of a Native American Olympic Training Center near their Mt. Shasta in Northern California.

"We support this Olympic quest, whether or not we win the bid, because it also gives our youth more opportunities to make US Olympic Teams, which has done the most to lift Blacks, Women and Aborigines. The Olympics teaches life skills that are a traditional to our culture predating Atlantis," said Joe Garcia (San Juan Pueblo runner), President of the National Congress of American Indians.

NVF is a Colorado non-profit 501(c)3 partnership of US Tribal leaders, Elders and Olympians, whose mission is "o create joyful unity thru sports, education and health to help heal Mother Earth for all our children."

Please contact NVF for any Olympic caliber talent in Winter or Summer Olympic Sports at: (928) 282-5663, or suzynativevoices @aol.com. More info on: www.SNOW-RIDERS.org and www.nativevoices.org.

Text provided by news source. A portion of the cost of this news announcement was donated by Send2Press Newswire.

Vermont Ski Hall of Fame Inducts Billy Kidd and Warren Witherell

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 18:09:00 GMT

Two Native Americans Honored as MVP's of Skiing

STOWE, Vt. - Oct. 28 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A blanket of snow turned Vermont's Green Mountains white as Billy Kidd, the first American male to win an Olympic (silver) Medal in Alpine Ski Racing, was inducted into the Vermont Ski Hall of Fame at the Snowflake Lodge in his hometown of Stowe on Sunday. "Though not fully proven, it took the fearlessness of his Abenaki Indian and Pirate (Captain William Kidd) blood to break the glass ceiling," said fellow Olympian Suzy Chaffee, co-chair of Native Voices Foundation (NVF).

Photo Caption: Warren Witherell (L) and Olympic skier Billy Kidd (Abenaki) at induction into the Vermont Ski Hall of Fame. Koasek Abenaki Chief Nancy Lyons (L) presented Billy with an eagle feather and Olympian Suzy Chaffee a hawk fan for doing wonders for Indian youth.

Governor Jim Douglas saluted the First Vermonters, the Abenakis, on their State recognition, and Billy for evolving into one of the most respected and beloved figures in the Ski World.

Earlier in the day at the VT Ski Museum, Nancy Lyons, Chief of the Koasek Abenaki Nation, presented Kidd with an eagle feather, saying, "Billy is a hero and role model of the best way to lift the health and spirit of Indian youth whose Earth wisdom is critical to generations of skiers and people everywhere. And what a sense of humor!" Chief Nancy also presented Suzy with a red tail hawk fan for orchestrating this unprecedented bridge between the cultures.

Billy Kidd merited the ultimate eagle feather for these contributions:

www.SNOW-RIDERS.org

WARREN WITHERELL - FATHER OF US SKI ACADEMIES
Warren Witherell was another popular honoree. This World Masters Waterski Champion turned ski racer, Warren pioneered US Ski Academies starting with Burke Mountain, north of Mt Mansfield. As Burke's Headmaster his staff went on to produce 38 brilliantly educated Olympians and spread the ski, as well as snowboard academies, across America.

At Chief Lyons' ceremony at the Museum, Witherell announced with pride, "I am Chirakowa Apache."

As a result of a pow wow among these leaders at the Induction, US Ski Academies are considering offering Indian scholarships to enrich the experience of their students, while creating more Billy Kidds.

"Thank you Creator and the Abenaki ancestors for the SNOW," said Chaffee at the ceremony. "They must be delighted about this Abenaki progress, including their spiritual leader, Spotted Eagle, leading the invocation. And as we learned from the Western Indian Elders, whenever we thank Creator for snow, more snowblessings seem to follow."

This Who's Who of Skiing event was organized by Olympian Rosie Fortna, who founded the Abenaki Ski Program with the Olympic Cochran family and Cici Teague. Billy's coach, Bob Beattie, and hero, Jimmy Heuga, who together won the silver and bronze at the 1964 Innsbruck Olympics, were some other superstars paying homage.

About Native Voices Foundation (NVF)
NVF is a Colorado 501(c)3 non profit partnership of US Tribal leaders, Elders and Olympians, like Billy and Prince Albert, whose mission is: "Through joyful unity of sport, education and health, helping heal Mother Earth for all our children." More information: www.nativevoices.org.

"Given the Global Warming Challenge, I honor the foresight of fellow Olympians for voting NVF a grant to help preserve skiing for all our children through the tribes, and Billy Kidd is the MVP," said Chaffee. "I also salute Joe Jones of Rutland/Pico, our Abenaki coach who put five of us on the road to the Olympics, and my Olympic brother Rick, a Ph.D., who teaches the "Race to Save the Planet" course to corporations."

* Note: A portion of the cost of this news release distribution was donated to the NVF by Neotrope(R) and Send2Press Newswire.

Colorado Indian Games Become 'Feeder to China Olympics' - Sustainable Pioneers Sponsor Bid and Teams

Sat, 22 Jul 2006 19:17:00 GMT

DENVER, CO - July 22 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Colorado's North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) ended with a strong magical feeling of being 'a feeder to the 2008 China Olympics.' That was the hope of Joe Garcia, President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI and San Juan Pueblo Governor/runner), whose Team New Mexico brought home the (ultimate) John Fletcher Spirit Award, said Olympic Skier Suzy Chaffee, co-chair of Native Voices Foundation (NVF).

"Out of the 7,000 American Indian participants in 16 sports, many stood out as Olympic caliber talent," stated Carole Anne 'Red Buffalo Woman' Franklin of Arizona and Stroud, Oklahoma. Her "Full Blood" father, "Happy" Franklin shared the same Sauk and Fox bloodline as Jim Thorpe, called by the King of Sweden, "the Greatest Olympian of the first half of the 20th Century."

*(Photo Caption: Legends supporting Native American Olympic Bid for China 2008: L-R Carole Anne Franklin (Sauk & Fox who saved bid), Tex Hall (former NCAI Prez), Steve Allen (Olympic Artist), Suzy Chaffee (Olympic skier), Ernie Stevens (NIGA Prez), and Florian Halazon of International Bio-fuels Assoc.)

"Carol not only saved the Indian Olympic Bid that was financially floundering, but is also starting the Morning Star Native American TV Network (MSNATV), to cover the historic steps of these magnificent athletes all the way to China and Vancouver 2010 - a healing of the Thorpe Legacy," said Woody Vaspra (Hawaiian) President of the World Council of Elders. The Boulder-based former pro baseball & football player is also guiding the bid.

"The greased-lightening teamwork of the basketball matches, won by South Dakota's descendants of Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, conjured visions of those 'invincible (by fair-play) warriors,'" said Chaffee, (born on Colorado's Sand Creek Massacre Day). This phenomena inspired the 'Archrivals of the Court of the 70's,' Ernie Stevens, Jr. (Oneida-Wisconsin), National Indian Gaming Association Chairman, and Tex Hall, former NCAI President & Chairman of ND's Affiliated Tribes (Mandan-Arikara-Hidatsu), whose 145 athletes won 76 medals. Together the rivals are evolving into Champions of Indian youth and a Sustainable World.

"Thanks to the outstanding performances and sportsmanship, I want to help win the bid to include Native American Olympic Teams in future Olympics. The youth are our future," said Hall, who is lifting his Great Plains Tribes with NativeWind Power and NativeEnergy.com green tags. "I trust and support your efforts," Stevens told Franklin and Chaffee, who are heading up the Native American Olympic Steering Committee.

Capturing this "Work of Heart" was Steve Allen, the renowned "Official Olympic Artist," who is painting a collage of the 'American Indians' Gifts to the Roots of 10 Olympic Sports' with faces of modern Indian Legends like Thorpe. "The final fierce basketball matches rivaled the excitement of the NBA," said Allen.

The Sponsors who stood up to help win the Native American Olympic Bid and develop teams, include some Pioneers of Sustainability: Native Winds.org, BioEnergy Colorado (snowcats too), and the SnowSports Industries of America. SIA is donating half a million worth of gear "to help create a generation of Native Olympians," said President David Ingemie. 60 of NSAA's ski areas with Sustainable Slopes Programs are sharing grassroots skiing and snowboarding ops with nearby tribes in appreciation for their snow ceremonies that helped end droughts in 10 states, including prior to the Salt Lake Olympics, sponsored by Ski Utah. (See Native American Ski & Snowboard Team on SNOW-RIDERS.org.

"God bless the Colorado Ute-led organizers for pulling off the most uplifting NAIG Games yet, and the First Nations founders (who carried a bushel of medals back to Canada), for re-birthing Indian Spirit," said Susan Guerin (Warm Springs), Chef de Mission of Oregon. A "Dynamo for the Kids" who brought home 29 medals, she is now serving on the Native American Olympic Steering Committee. On behalf of all the organizers and coaches, Allen presented Guerin and Franklin with Olympic paintings for their heroic, far-reaching efforts...

"Tribal leaders are seeing how Olympic Dreams and ops are cost-effective fun alternatives to our youth epidemics," said Guerin. The Native American Legislators Caucus that met in Denver was encouraged by Franklin and Chaffee's findings and had them present their solutions: "A combo of Olympic Sports Ops, NuStevia by NuNaturals (Tribal discovered sweetener not raising blood sugar), and education thru MSNATV, can do wonders to prevent Indian diabetes, obesity, alcohol...."

Insiders say the Indian Olympic Bid has an excellent chance thanks to Europeans spearheading it: French Princess Caroline Murat (Napoleon descendent) and Prince Albert (Lakota-adopted) of the N. Pole Global Warming Awareness Expedition... "With the team spirit exhibited at these Games, anything, including the Olympics, is possible," was the buzz.

NVF is a Colorado non-profit 501(C) (3) partnership of US Tribal leaders, Elders and Olympians, whose mission is to "Create joyful unity through sports to help heal Mother Earth for all our children."

New Website Provides Link to American Indian Nations - SNOW-RIDERS.ORG Bolsters Indian Chances for Vancouver Olympics!

Wed, 12 Apr 2006 01:46:00 GMT

ASPEN, CO - April 11 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "Ski communities across America can play a part of developing a Native American Olympic Ski & Snowboard Team for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. It's thanks to US Ski Industry leaders suggesting that we create SNOW-RIDERS.ORG (Snowriders of American Indian Nations) to make it easier to invite tribes to ski, snowboard, and inspire snowblessings in their ancestral mountains," said Olympic skier, Suzy "Chapstick" Chaffee, co-chair of Native Voices Foundation (NVF).

Photo Caption: Vancouver Olympic Hopeful, 16 year-old Callan Chythlook-Sifsof (Up'ick/Eskimo), sponsored by Mt Aleyeska (Alaska), carving 6th in Korea's 2006 Jr Worlds in boardercross, then smokin the Jr Nationals in parallel GS at Crystal Mt (Wash): "Snow-Riders.org is 'awesome!'"

"Our Indian leaders plus Europeans at Torino's Olympics were amazed by this historic outreach to our youth," said Stew Young (Tulalip), World Cup Speed Skier on the Native American Ski Team. Stew represented Joe Garcia, President of the National Congress of American Indians, in launching their Olympic Bid with Chaffee in Italy.

To beating drums, the Website takes visitors on a fascinating adventure: Meeting the Native American Ski & Snowboard Team with updates on their Olympic Bid; discovering on easy maps your neighboring Indian Nation(s), plus their cultural heritage and suggestions by Elders on "Care & Feeding of Snow," (ceremonies, biodiesel snowcats), which have saved ski areas in 10 states. It features "Salutes" by General Schwarzkopf and Gloria Steinem; photo galleries from Curtis to Euro supporters like Monaco's Prince Albert, CBS' clip on Telluride's pioneering "Ute Welcoming Celebration" in 1996, with kids joyfully skiing and dancing; and "How to Start a Native Ski Program/Event," suggesting a comfortable number of complimentary tickets, lessons and rentals. In appreciation, tribes share their priceless snowblessings and magnificent earth-honoring dances in demand world-wide. ("No. 1 draw at Utah Olympics.")

Snow-Riders.org was created by a team of Indian-loving "super tekkies," Janet Boyd and Carleen Franz, guided by Chaffee and Woody Vaspra (Hawaiian), World Council of Elders President. To thank the tribes and together help 'Keep Winters Cool,' Ski Industry leaders at Phoenix's 2005 NSAA Conference conceived the idea while meeting with Jim Covorubbias (Apache-Walapai "Artist-for-County"), Phil Goldfeld (economic-developer for Navajo), and Chaffee. Inspired by tribal snowblessings since the 60's, David Ingimie, SnowSports Industry President, already donated $.6 million worth of gear "to help develop Indian Olympians."

"Mahalo (thanks) to Janet's countless hours and American Indian Nations and SkiTown.com graciously sharing their weblinks, we created a cultural web-bridge that honors and heals the history between the original and recent peoples of America. We hope Snowriders and the "60 Pioneering Ski Areas" inspire all 320 Resorts to start Native Ski & Snowboard Programs/Events, or include our youth in theirs," said Vaspra.

PIONEERS!

Stars of Snowriders' "Shining Moments" include Mammoth Mt (CA) founder Dave McCoy, who credits (late) Corty Hill for first inviting the Paiutes in 1936, to ski for free on his cable lift at nearby McGee Mt.. We continued the gesture opening year in 1937. The Paiutes helped build our lifts ... they were our friends and everybody was the same. The Hess Family became hot skiers/racers," said the 90 year youngster and bride Roma. The McCoys' first inclusive ski program in (Bishop) schools in the 50's, produced champion Lucy Parker (Paiute-Mewuk). "The McCoys and King of Norway gave me my break. The King gifted me with Head Skis for honoring him with a basket (I wove) while visiting Yosemite," said Lucy. "Coincidentally, the Paiutes (spearheaded by Paul Chavez), led 10 visionary Indian Nations in assisting NVF continue this snow sports tradition and facilitate spreading these opportunities across Indian Country," said Chaffee.

"Around 50 mom & pop resorts that followed us were built thanks so much to local tribes," said McCoy. "Why Taos (NM) started a school program for Pueblos in 1961," said owner Micky Blake. Vail (CO) Associates first asked "Red Ute" (S. Ute) to save their snowless Opening in 1962. Rocky Mountain "snowfarmers" revere his son, Eddie Box Jr, who continues to "create more harmony between the cultures and Nature."

Steamboat's "Ute Future Olympians," is a model program founded by Billy Kidd (Vt.Abenaki-See "Tribal Bio"), first American male to medal in Olympic Alpine racing, now Native American Ski Team Captain.

"I hope all ski areas enjoy this historic chance to share the Great American Outdoors and nurture future Indian Olympians," said Bjorn Dahl as Rocky Mt Forest Director. "Spring skiing is a beautiful time to invite your first inhabitants home to play, then spring and summer pow wows," agreed Suzy and Stew, who want to help launch these "fun' bridges.

NVF is a 501(c)3 Colorado non-profit partnership of US tribal leaders and Olympians helping preserve Nature's playgrounds for all.

More information: www.nativevoices.org

A portion of the cost of this news announcement was donated by Send2Press Newswire, a unit of Neotrope.