AAIA Honors Native American Leaders, Screen Three Short Films Tonight's Reception

The Association on American Indian Affairs (AAIA), the oldest Native American service and advocacy organization in the country, has its roots in New York City. Started in 1922 and incorporated in New York, AAIA returns to the City each November for its Annual Meeting of the Members, Native Film Showcase and Honoring Reception. This year, we recognize three prominent Native American leaders at a cocktail reception tonight, November 20, 2014 at 6:00 PM.

Immediately following the reception, there will be an evening of entertainment featuring three short films, the screening of the inspiring documentary film, Playground of the Native Son, which tells the story of the Hominy Indian football team who played and defeated the World Champion New York Giants in the 1920's as well as performances by Martha Redbone and Shaun Taylor-Corbett, accompanied by Marisa Quinn. Documentary filmmaker Celia Xavier will introduce the feature film. Doors to the theater will open at 7:00 pm (start time 7:30). Performances and screenings are Free and Open to the Public. Seating is first come, first served.

Ernie Stevens, Jr. (Oneida) is the Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association. In addition to his unwavering leadership in the gaming industry, Ernie is an extraordinary advocate for Indian Country, working tirelessly on many important issues that impact Native communities. He is a former First Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians, a former Councilman of his tribe, and sits on many Boards including the Strategic Leadership Council for the National Indian Child Welfare Association, the Advisory Board for Pathkeepers for Indigenous Knowledge, the National Support Committee at the Native American Rights Fund and the Board of Advisors for the Center for Native American Youth.

Martha Redbone (Cherokee/Choctaw/Shawnee and African-American) is a multi-award winning recording artist whose musical style is a mix of her roots. Her new release, Garden of Love -- Songs of William Blake, has received international airplay and acclaim from fans and critics alike and attention from Billboard, Amazon and NPR's All Things Considered. Her credits include wins at the Independent Music Awards and Native American Music Awards, as well as performing at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian Native Nations Ball in Washington DC. In addition to Martha's musical endeavors, she is a dedicated activist, currently involved with the issue of hunger and poverty in and around her homeland of Black Mountain Kentucky.

Shaun Taylor-Corbett (Blackfeet) is currently starring as Frankie Valli in the National Tour of Jersey Boys. Shaun earned his BA in International Relations at the University of Delaware and continued his studies at RADA in London as well as at the NY Public Theater. His credits include the role of Sonny in the hit Broadway musical, In the Heights and on the kid's TV series Hi-5 on the Discovery Kids/TLC network. Shaun can be seen later this year in Supremacy, starring Danny Glover. He also continues his work on his Native American inspired musical Distant Thunder, which is currently in development. Shaun's award will be presented by celebrated Broadway Choreographer, Sergio Trujillo.

AAIA Annual Honoring Reception, Meeting of the Members and Native Film Showcase Native American Heritage Month

Cocktail Reception 6:00-7:15 (Ticket Contributions $150-$5000) Contributions for Entry to the Reception Portion of the Evening can be made at http://bit.ly/1qpwsp8 or http://indian-affairs.givezooks.com/events/aaia-s-93rd-annual-meeting-of-the-members. The Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center is located at 144 West 65th Street, 2nd Floor .