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Submissions open for Vision Maker Media’s Public Media Content Fund LINCOLN, Neb. – Vision Maker Media has announced a March 18 dead- line for applications from filmmakers for its Public Media Content Fund, a program that has funded filmmakers since 1990. With funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the Public Media Content Fund will award support to projects with an American Indian theme and significant Native involvement that ultimately benefit the entire public media community. Applications must be submitted elec- tronically by 11:59 p.m. PST on March 18. “The purpose of this funding oppor- tunity is to encourage and increase the diversity of Native American voices in public media,” said Assistant Director Georgiana Lee (Navajo). “There are very few avenues open to films – much less Native documentaries – and we believe that support from Vision Maker Media can help open doors for various forms of additional funding for our filmmakers.” Projects in any phase of production are eligible to apply for funding with Vision Maker Media. Awards for research and development range from $5,000 to $20,000; awards for production or com- pletion can be up to half of the project’s total budget; and new media awards range from $5,000 to $35,000. Vision Maker Media does not fully fund projects and awardees are required to seek additional funding from other sources. Projects selected for funding will be offered additional distribution opportunities, including educational and home DVD distribution through vision- makermedia.org and video-on-demand. “Vision Maker Media is looking for compelling Native stories that appeal to broad audiences. We’re particularly looking for stories that advance impor- tant Native issues, such as the American graduate, Indian mascots, Native women, suicide prevention, underrepresented Tribes, and veterans and military service,” said Executive Director Shirley K. Sneve (Rosebud Sioux). “We want to see proj- ects that accurately illuminate aspects of contemporary Tribal cultures or peoples.” The 2015 Open Call marks the second year for the Public Media Content Fund’s electronic application submission process. Continued from previous page to partner with the private sector to expand broadband connectivity in Indian Country. When it comes to raising revenue, Tribes need the authority to raise tax revenue free from overlapping state taxa- tion and to create incentives for business and jobs. I urge Congress to take up significant tax reform this year – tax reform that includes Tribes and recognizes Tribal sovereignty, so we can better provide essential services and lay the groundwork for growth. I also urge Congress to pass Indian energy legislation like that proposed by Chairman Barrasso. This legislation would provide Tribes with greater con- trol and flexibility to develop their tra- ditional and renewable energy resources and would create careers and capital in Indian Country. And to further improve access to capi- tal, I urge the administration to remove hurdles in the Bond Guarantee Program and ensure that Tribes are included in the New Markets Tax Credit Program. With these tools in hand, Tribes can more effectively meet local demands with local solutions. Today, I have reviewed the history of our trust relationship and discussed the opportunities and challenges before us. NCAI continues to work to convert the policy ideas that inspire and guide Tribal nations today into policy advice for the administration and Congress. Today, as in the past, we are releasing a report that outlines our priorities for this year: Promoting Self-Determination and Modernizing the Trust Relationship. The report identifies specific ways the United States can uphold these commitments. I urge all members of Congress to read it, review it with your staff, use it as an occasion to continue the necessary conversation about how our nations can move forward together. 14 • Siletz News • Conclusion: Consider what our relationship can and should look like In the end, the relationship we have inherited, like any good relationship, depends on two things: respect and trust. Here, I have a replica wampum belt. Today, as they have for generations, the nations of the Iroquois confederacy exchange belts like this one as a sign of peace and friendship. I carry this wampum belt today because it, too, is a sign of peace and friendship. But it is much more than that. It also symbolizes the inherent sovereignty of Tribal nations, who from time immemorial have made trea- ties among themselves, treaties with European nations and treaties with the United States. Many generations ago, we did not share a common language. But we did share a relationship of mutual respect and admiration and a belief that our futures would be closely intertwined. In 1744, Canassatego, a representa- tive from the Iroquois confederacy, had a recommendation for colonists from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. He said, “Whatever befalls you, never fall out with one another.” The same wisdom applies to our nation-to-nation relationship today. In the spirit of Billy Frank Jr. and all those who shared the vision of common progress and common prosperity. May we work together, make progress together and build a bright future for all Americans together. When we uphold this trust, we uphold the promise that our nations have always represented and the promise of brighter futures for generations to come. God bless the Tribal nations and the National Congress of American Indi- ans. And God bless the United States of America. February 2015 “Through a partnership with the Cen- ter for Asian American Media (CAAM), we’re excited to offer the convenience of the electronic application submis- sion process through the online platform SlideRoom. This program offers a step- by-step guide for applicants seeking funding (http://slideroom.besnappy.com/ applicant-guide),” said Interactive Media Specialist Eric Martin. Vision Maker Media convenes a panel of public television professionals, independent filmmakers and American Indian/Alaska Native educators to review submissions and recommend applications for funding. Additionally, the organization assists filmmakers with fundraising, navigating the public television system for national broadcast, educational resource develop- ment, community engagement and mar- keting efforts. Notifications of award status will be announced in late July 2015. For Vision Maker Media Public Media Content Fund guidelines and a link to the online application, visit visionmak- ermedia.org/fund. For provocative and engaging com- pleted films from independent or public television producers, Vision Maker Media offers a separate acquisition submission process. To apply, visit visionmakerme- dia.org/acquisitions. Vision Maker Media, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that receives major funding from the Corporation for Public Broad- casting, shares Native stories with the world by advancing media that represents the experiences, values and cultures of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Founded in 1977, Vision Maker Media is the premier source for quality American Indian and Pacific Islander educational and home videos. All aspects of our programs encourage the involve- ment of young people to learn more about careers in the media – to be the next gen- eration of storytellers. Siletz Tribal Head Start If you have not sent in an application for your child to attend Siletz Tribal Head Start, it’s not too late. Call 541-444-2532 or 800-922-1399 to request that an application be sent to you. Applications also are available on the Tribal website (ctsi.nsn.us) and at the Siletz, Salem and Portland area offices. A TIP ABOUT SECONDHAND SMOKE LET FUTURE GENERATIONS KNOW THE DANGERS OF SECONDHAND SMOKE. Nathan, Age 54 Oglala Sioux Idaho Secondhand smoke at work triggered Nathan’s severe asthma attacks and caused infections and lung damage. If you or someone you know wants free help to quit smoking, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. www.cdc.gov/tips #CDCTips
