RNCI / Sacred Water of Life Ceremony

RED NATION

CELEBRATION

INSTITUTE

The Creative Enterprise by Natives delivering to all people the stories that shape our world is the longest-running Native Women-Led Indigenous Media Arts and Cultural non-profit enterprise in the history of the entertainment industry.

Natives in Charge of Their Narrative

Red Nation Celebration Institute

Robert Dorame of the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation reached out to Red Nation Celebration Institute (RNCI) CEO/founder/president Joanelle Romero back in 2007, asking for help. At that time Red Nation Celebration Institute’s program the Red Nation International Film Festival was holding their annual The Sacred Water of Life Ceremony at Playa Vista’ during the month of November in Celebration of American Indian Heritage Month. RNCI was working closely with then late Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl and had invited him to participle in the ceremony. Once Councilmember Bill Rosendahl was in attendance, Joanelle Romero put him on the spot and asked ‘Will you please assist in helping our Gabrielino/Tongva nation in getting their ancestors remains returned. Joanelle and Bill shook hands and the rest is history.

The Gabrielino/Tongva Nation and Robert Dorame asked for help because at that point they were having a difficult time in achieving this. About 75 people gathered that day for The Sacred Water of Life Ceremony. It was a beautiful day of healing. It was raining that day and everyone was calling the office asking is ceremony still on? “Yes it is”, stated Joanelle Romero, “Once ceremony is called we show up no matter what.” While the ceremony was happening it stopped raining and a beautiful rainbow appeared. #PrayersAnswered

We are so deeply grateful that Robert Dorame Gabrielino/Tongva Nation reached out to us and we were able to assist in returning their ancestors. It took many years and many people over the years however sometimes it takes just one more step, one more prayer, one more ask, many working togther for the common good for all to make it happen.
Joanelle Romero

The remains included 88 infants, 152 children, 69 teenagers and 477 adults. and were estimated to be buried as early as 3,500 years B.C.

Mission Driven Who Tells The Story Matters

Natives in Charge of Their Narrative

Vision Legacy Excellence

Mission Driven

We are the longest standing Native women-led, Indigenous media, arts and cultural nonprofit enterprise in the City of Los Angeles, since 1995 serving Indian Country and the entertainment industry. RNCI mission replaces racist, erasive American Indian stereotypes with recognition, new vision, arts, culture and economic prosperity by placing American Indian & Indigenous Filmmakers at the forefront of the entertainment industry while amplifying cinematic excellence with an emphasis on initiatives for Native women, girls, and youth.

Natives in Charge of Their Narrative

Creating systemic change through the arts and media. Storytelling is what we do. We have increased the visibility of American Indian & Indigenous filmmakers and communities through our ground-breaking year round programs, initiatives, events in creating content with the revitalized vision of our own narrative as contemporary people. We work in a variety of media platforms and educational institutions, in conjunction with partners from around the world.

Legacy of Excellence

RNCI’s legacy is rich with cultural excellence. Our leadership actively implements a vision for the future of cinema: one in which American Indian perspectives are authentically pictured, recognized, and valued in a way that promotes strong Native identities, economic outcomes, equity, and wellness for our communities. We deliver increased representation of Native peoples in popular culture, both in front and behind the camera with our Film Festivals, RNCI Crew, a Native Studies Center at USC and Red Nation Television Network the first media streaming company, predating Netflix and others.

Red Nation

Celebration

Institute

#NativesInChargeOfTheirNarrative

Red Nation Celebration Institute is located on the ancestral lands of native peoples.

RNCI

The Creative Enterprise by Natives Delivering to All People the Stories that Shape our World.

Natives in Charge of Their Narrative