The Native American Initiative A multi-club project to better the lives of the first families of Virginia—the Indians of Virginia and to help educate the.

The Native American The Native American InitiativeInitiativeA multi-club project to better the lives of A multi-club project to better the lives of the first families of Virginia—the Indians the first families of Virginia—the Indians of Virginia and to help educate the school-of Virginia and to help educate the school-age and general population about the rich age and general population about the rich history and culture of Virginia’s Native history and culture of Virginia’s Native People. People.

The Native American The Native American InitiativeInitiative

Objectives: (1) to provide humanitarian assistance to Native American families in financial need in Virginia, (2) to provide educational content about Virginia Indians to general audience and grades 3-12 school students through a high quality film made for television and school distribution.

Participating Rotary Participating Rotary ClubsClubs

Alexandria, Alexandria South, Bailey’s Crossroads, Caroline County, Crystal City-Pentagon, Gloucester, Gloucester Point, McLean, Mt. Vernon, Rappahannock, Sterling, Vienna, West Point, and West Springfield

Our NAI PartnersOur NAI Partners

Spirit Rising, a 501(c) 3 Native

American charity,

The Foundation for American Heritage Voices,

a 501(c) 3 Native American charity,

And

Prince William Network.

Prince William Network would again like to thank the Rotary Clubs of District 7610 for their contribution and support of the production of the 60-minute video Virginia Indians: Reclaiming Our Heritage.  The Rotary Clubs contributed $5,000 in December 2010 toward developing the script for the project.  A draft script has been written that will serve as the basis for review by Virginia Indian scholars and each of the Virginia Indian tribes.  This process is expected to take several months since it is important to consider and review all comments.  Prince William Network has tentative approval to receive another $5,000 from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, which will help move the script from the development phase into the production phase.

Ben Swecker, Supervisor of Media ProductionPrince William County SchoolsManassas, VA

Virginia Indians: Reclaiming Our Heritage

Just a few of the Just a few of the projects of the NAIprojects of the NAI

The Grandmothers saying their Prayers for Our Native People on the Mattaponi River" by Sharon "Gentle Wind" Sun Eagle

Mattaponi Mattaponi Reservation Reservation

Beautification Beautification ProjectProject

Two Orphaned Mattaponi Reservation Two Orphaned Mattaponi Reservation Young People have Received Young People have Received Assistance with Dental CareAssistance with Dental Care

Based proportionately on population, Based proportionately on population, more American Indians serve in the U.S. more American Indians serve in the U.S.

military than any other ethnic group. military than any other ethnic group.

One of the Mattaponi Vietnam veterans of the U.S. Air Force, who has PTSD medical problems, lives on the reservation. His condition is severe.  He rarely leaves his house and only one of his brothers is allowed to come and speak with him.  He is enrolled in a federal training program.  He is showing signs of improvement The NAI was used to pay his electric and heating oil bills.

Gasoline Assistance for VCU Gasoline Assistance for VCU Medical Student Clinic Medical Student Clinic

Volunteers Volunteers

Acupuncture Acupuncture Sessions Sessions

One of Mattaponi Chief Webster “Little Eagle” Custalow’s daughters is receiving Chinese acupuncture sessions. They have helped tremendously to reduce her pain level caused by spinal stenosis as well as improved her general well being.

"Thank you for caring "Thank you for caring about me.” —Dancing about me.” —Dancing

OwlOwl

Dear Rotary Clubs,Dear Rotary Clubs,

Your generous support of American Heritage Voices has made the RotaryClub a partner making a positive difference in the lives of Virginia Indians. One hundred percent of the Rotary Club funding has gone towards improving the lives of Virginia Indians.Kenah! (Thank you)Angie Silver Star,American Heritage Voices, President

From our youth to our elders, the Rotary Clubs From our youth to our elders, the Rotary Clubs have helped our people. Our ancestors thank you, have helped our people. Our ancestors thank you, and we thank you.and we thank you.Kenah! (Thank You)Kenah! (Thank You)Virginia IndiansVirginia Indians