Red Nation Celebration Institute (RNCI), a leading Native and Indigenous media arts and cultural organization dedicated to advancing authentic Indigenous storytelling, announces that its planned 30th Anniversary programming at the Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, will not move forward following CCA’s decision to withdraw from hosting the August 11–14, 2026 event.
RNCI’s 30th Anniversary celebration represents three decades of advancing Native and Indigenous excellence in film, television, media, music, and the arts. The anniversary programming was designed as a cultural gathering honoring Indigenous filmmakers, artists, storytellers, and communities while celebrating RNCI’s longstanding commitment to the belief that “Who Tells the Story Matters.”
For several months, RNCI worked collaboratively with CCA representatives on event planning, scheduling, venue coordination, production discussions, promotional timelines, and program development. Based on these communications and planning efforts, RNCI proceeded with significant preparations involving filmmakers, artists, sponsors, media partners, production teams, and community stakeholders.
“We are deeply disappointed that this partnership will not move forward after months of planning and coordination,” said Joanelle Romero, Founder and CEO of Red Nation Celebration Institute. “This event was not simply a program on a calendar. It represented 30 years of Indigenous storytelling, cultural preservation, and the voices of generations of Native artists who have fought to be seen, heard, and valued.”
RNCI has spent more than three decades creating opportunities for Native and Indigenous filmmakers and artists to share their stories on their own terms. Through the Red Nation International Film Festival, Red Nation Television Network, Native Women in Film & Television in All Media, and other initiatives, RNCI continues its mission of building pathways for Indigenous creators and challenging harmful stereotypes through authentic representation.
“Native and Indigenous storytelling is not an emerging movement — it is a legacy that has always existed,” Romero continued. “Our responsibility is to continue creating spaces where Indigenous voices are recognized, respected, and celebrated.”
RNCI is currently evaluating next steps regarding the impact of this decision on its filmmakers, artists, sponsors, partners, and scheduled programming. The organization remains committed to advancing Indigenous cinema, cultural exchange, and opportunities for Native storytellers worldwide.
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Press Contact:
Liz Kramer
media@rednation.com
818.665.5753.
About Red Nation Celebration Institute
Founded in 1995 by Joanelle Romero, Red Nation Celebration Institute (RNCI) is a Native women-led Indigenous media arts and cultural organization dedicated to creating systemic change through film, television, media, and the arts. RNCI’s programs include the Red Nation International Film Festival, Red Nation Television Network, Native Women in Film & Television in All Media, Native Indigenous Student Academy for Cinematic Arts, and the RNCI Red Nation Awards.RNCI’s mission is rooted in “Natives in Charge of Their Narrative” and the belief that “Who Tells the Story Matters..
