Campaigns & Initiatives

Initiatives that Move American Indian & Indigenous Women Forward

Joanelle Romero founder of Native Women in Film was invited by President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, First Lady Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey on June 5th, 2016 to attend the first ‘United State of Women’s Summit’ there Joanelle Romero met with congressional members to address Native Women in Film & Television Initiative. The seeds have been planted.

In 2003, began the erase Native actresses being cast on episodic television (NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX), and in regards to film, Native women are not usually represented nor written in the narrative in studio films, as leading women, and when done its in the 1800’s keeping us in the past. There was a 23 year wait between ‘Dances with Wolves’ and ‘The Revenant’, Native Women in FILM has brought national attention to this issue and will continue too until we see a change in our industry.” – Joanelle Romero (Media proprietor, an acclaimed actress in film and television, Award winning director, producer, recording artist, singer/songwriter, entrepreneur, humanitarian. Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences member and founder of Native Women in FILM)

Native Americans were not considered citizens of U.S. until 1924. The Nationality Act allowed them to go to war in 1940, but for the most part they had to wait until 1965 (Voting Rights Act) to really have the right to vote across the country. We as Native American women were not viewed as equals and this should be made clear on this day.”

Building the Movement of Indigenous Women & Girls

When we don’t see Native women in media, and not seen in the bigger picture, it implies that we don’t matter, that our lives don’t matter. I’m a survivor of sexual assault. I was kidnapped, held hostage, drugged to unconscious for 10 days. At a moment of consciousness, I begged them to let me go. I am here to tell my story and speak for the ones who can’t.

Joanelle Romero

Facts: Women and children are at home with their abusers due to pandemic. Human Trafficking is still happening.

No More Stolen Sisters!

Red Nation Celebration Institute’s Native Women in FILM Call to Action #WhyWeWearRED official COVID-19 Awareness effort.

Justice for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and their children, by bringing awareness to this critical issue. Missing and murdered Native women and girls and the lack of inclusion of Native Women in Film & Television are inextricably linked.

#WhyWeWearRED brings together survivors and Indigenous communities to heal and visualize a better world free from sexual harassment and violence.

Women and Girls are Sacred

We believe that we can continue to build strong support and action around MMIWG #WhyWeWearRED but only with your help.