Pasadena - The April Chamber meeting was once again held at the beautiful Twin Palms Restaurant in Old Town Pasadena.

This month featured a great panel presentation highlighting both business opportunities for our members and ideas for youth involvement in our Chamber as future entrepreneurs.

The "Gathering of Friends" Panel included Virginia Harris of American Honda Motor Co., Inc; Sharon Chambers of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development; Carol Jackson, Macy’s West; and Luis Ayala of the City of Los Angeles. Thanks to all of these distinguished Chamber supporters for their participation.

Sonny Skyhawk of Four Directions Entertainment also made a wonderful presentation on his partnership with the Oneida Nation on producing "The World of American Indian Dance" shown on NBC Channel 4 nationwide. Sonny reported afterwards that, "The World of American Indian Dance was the highest rated American Indian television program ever produced by American Indians."

Noted American Indian Actor and Public Relations Director for the Torres Martinez Tribal TANF program, Apasanaqkwat (AP) introduced Sonny and provided on overview on the efforts of many American Indians and our community’s initiative to "Tell Our Own Story" by becoming immersed in the entertainment industry and starting to write, act, direct and produce our own American Indian programming. AP was very inspiring and all in attendance were moved by his introduction of what Four Directions Entertainment accomplished by getting this dance program onto a major network.

The American Indian Chamber of Commerce from California is in the process of forming our first chapter outside of Southern California. This first new chapter will be formed in San Diego County. The San Diego Chapter Formational Coordinator is Leilani Wilson of Denali Associates.

In an effort to accommodate American Indian business owners from throughout the state who are looking for a Chamber meeting in their local areas, the Chamber has developed some guidelines for new chapters:

The Chamber is actively seeking American Indian business people from throughout the state to join in and form a Chapter in their area, a Chapter that will be committed to the mission of the Chamber and to a spirit of joining in one voice for all American Indian business people in California.

Thanks to Duane Hall of Eagle Systems for his support of the April Meeting by donating his Study Card products "Mind Jugglers" to be used as gifts for the speakers and as door prizes.

Duane was one of the founders of the Chamber and his continuous commitment to the mission of the Chamber is greatly appreciated.  A big hand for Duane!!!

All members have been sent a copy of the 2003 Chamber Yearbook and Directory.  This year's book is a complete history of 2002 Chamber events, our 2003 Calendar, Committees and includes a directory of members and American Indian businesses here in California.

Welcome New Members

Joan Marshall -
Corp. Mbr.
The Autry Museum of
Western Heritage
323-667-2000