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NATIVE CHILDREN'S
SURVIVAL

**FOR THE COMING GENERATIONS**

Bridging The Gap Between Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights, and Social and Environmental Justice

ABOUT NCS

Native Children’s Survival (NCS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit grassroots Indigenous Peoples Organization in special consultative status with United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Founded in 1989 by Native Rock Music artist, Robby Romero, NCS has championed Indigenous Peoples, Children, and the Environment for more than three decades.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to elevate global consciousness and unite to safeguard the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Mother Earth, and All Our Relations. We encourage the international community and United Nations member states to wholeheartedly acknowledge and respect our sovereignty, human rights, treaty rights, self-determination, and autonomy, as these are fundamental for attaining enduring peace, justice, and freedom.

NCS is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation (Tax ID #85-0472431)

INTRODUCING

RED THUNDER MUSIC ACADEMY

EMPOWERING INDIGENOUS YOUTH THROUGH THE ART OF MUSIC

Book Your RED THUNDER MUSIC ACADEMY Camp

INTRODUCING

FIRST NATIONS YOUTH PROGRAM

Education & Freedom

“Our vision is to foster Indigenous thought, develop a teachable curriculum for communities globally, and assemble a toolkit to help our generation return to our lands. To reincarnate our Indigenous law is to reject the notion that colonialism is permanent, that devastation is inevitable, and that the suffering in our communities is the result of a deficit inherent to our people. For Indigenous youth to confront, address, and end our suffering, our people must be reunited with our wealth of knowledge. Our people must reach and share an understanding about what is causing the suffering and why we have been violently conditioned for generations to perpetuate it.”

— Ta’Kaiya Blaney | NCS Director of Programs

Ta’Kaiya Blaney is a 22 year old Indigenous singer, award-winning actor, land defender and Native Children's Survival Ambassador from the Tla’Amin First Nation. She has been featured in documentaries, addressed the United Nations, and performed at environmental events, classrooms and Indigenous gatherings across Turtle Island and around the world.

Since the age of 10, Ta’Kaiya has been vocal about the protection of lands, waters, and climate and has worked within Indigenous movements combatting extractive industries, climate change, and oil pipelines that threaten the present and future survival of her people.

Ta’Kaiya seeks to address colonialism as the root of climate change and the driving force of extractive industrial projects that continue to facilitate land cessation, Indigenous genocide and ecological collapse in the northwest coast, the most biodiverse region in North America. She utilizes traditional and contemporary art mediums to convey messages of Indigenous sovereignty and liberation critical to ensuring livable futures for all. Ta’Kaiya currently conducts work from her homelands relating to language revitalization, Indigenous knowledge transmission, and river restoration as the Director of Programs for Native Children’s Survival.

**Ace Harry | NCS Director of Education**

Ace Harry is a 22 year old Indigenous youth from Xwe’malhkwu. Due to the relocation of her family, she grew up on Tla’amin lands. As a child, she listened to elders speak of Tla’amin territory as having the largest herring spawn on the west coast, the second largest salmon run, and an abundance of old growth forests. She represents one of the first generations in her lineage to grow up removed from the ancient forests and waters her people belong to.

Ace is committed to ensuring that her generation will be the last to grow up separated from trees big enough to build canoes from and waters healthy enough to support life. She is the founder of Mumatla Kanem (White People Words), a partner in her family’s business, 15 years into a classical piano education, and an International Baccalaureate and Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific graduate. She currently works from Tla’amin lands as the Director of Education at Native Children’s Survival.

OUR IMPACT

OUR CAMPAIGNS HELP DISPEL FICTITIOUS MYTHS AND DEROGATORY STEREOTYPES IN POPULAR CULTURE WHILE RAISING AWARENESS AND GENERATING SUPPORT FOR THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, MOTHER EARTH, AND ALL OUR RELATIONS.

WE'RE PASSIONATE ABOUT POSITIVE CHANGE...

Testimonials

“With appreciation for the support you have given our project, we the children offer this symbol of our gratitude. It is our wish that children and adults everywhere could join together like this to help heal and restore the earth.”

— J. Mostafa K. Tolba Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Children and the Environment Project

“Your musical talent and leadership in the Native American community will undoubtedly help commemorate the United Nations adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for years to come. It was very thoughtful of you to include me in the celebration of this historic occasion.”

— Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives

“We’re bringing a message to the world for the restoration of life in balance—because music does make a difference.”

— Tonya Gonnella Frichner, American Indian Law Alliance, North American Regional Representative to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

“We’re doing a live program from Moscow to you, across the world, across the globe, and bringing you positive stories things of hope... 20 Indigenous People were invited from the four directions of this planet to guide us to a future that honors the earth and gives thanks for her gifts. Recording artist Robby Romero is an Apache American Indian, his rock video ‘Is It Too Late’ makes its world debut on this program.”

— Global Forum of Spiritual and Parliamentary Leaders, Channel One Russia

“This is to commend Robby Romero for worthy contributions to the NCAI membership”

— National Congress of American Indians

“On behalf of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, thank you for sharing your gifts at the Winnipeg National Event, held June 16-19, 2010, in honor of the survivors of Indian Residential Schools and for commemorating those who were lost.”

— Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

“In recognition of your dedication to protect the Gwich’in Way of Life.”

— Gwich’in Steering Committee

“Last year Indigenous Rock Star Robby Romero donated $241,000 from one of his hit records to help build a school on the Lakota Reservation…”

— Cultural Survival Magazine

“In grateful appreciation to Robby Romero (Wakinyan Lüta). With love, compassion and purposeful understanding, this person has helped the people.”

— Canku Lüta Wicocan, 11th Red Road Gathering

“In recognition for your efforts to raise funds to obtain two ambulances that were delivered and used by this service to respond to 371 emergency medical and 9 fire calls, thereby saving 70 people from death or disability, during the first year.”

— Wičóni Awanyankapi, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

“Climate change is possibly the biggest challenge the world now faces. Robby Romero (Apache/Tewa) of Taos, New Mexico, is a leader on the issue as a voice for Indigenous peoples.”

— Indian Gaming Magazine

"Rights in Action. Standing Rock Stronghold 'Where Sitting Bull Lives On and the Struggle of Our People Unfolds' lyrics from the song BORN ON THE REZ writen by Robby Romero."

— Cultural Survival Magazine

“A powerful plea for Mother Earth… This engaging hybrid music picture delivers an undeniable message…a powerful plea for Mother Earth, a compelling call to action and a heartfelt warning of impending doom if we fail to change our ways. The alter-native music and novel storyline with haunting imagery locks in your attention, empathy and interest.”

— Native Peoples Magazine

“The Alaska premier of ‘Who’s Gonna Save You,’ by Robby Romero, brought a new excitement to the Native community of Alaska. With the radiation of Fukushima arriving on Alaska’s coast, the music picture launched a sense of urgency along with the added excitement of having a world class musician/activist in our midst.”

— Jeanie Greene (Creator/Producer of ABC’s Heartbeat Alaska)

“Americans for Alaska urge the Senate to protect the Arctic Refuge. Attending were the Honorable Jimmy Carter, Robby Romero, Theodore Roosevelt IV, Dune Lankard, Robert Kennedy Jr., Sarah James, John Travolta, Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Carole King, The Honorable Hubert H. Humphrey III, Michael Douglas, Kevin Spacey, Larry Rockefeller, Ann Bancroft, Rob Reiner, Edward Norton, Don Henley, Billy Crystal, Ted Turner, Mike Medavoy, Lyn & Norman Lear, Ed Bagley Jr., Ed Asner, Mary Tyler Moore.”

— The Washington Times

“We had amazing feedback from our viewers and they enjoyed the educational ride, the critical message so eloquently brought across with the beauty of Alaska and music that could become a hit in South Africa.”

— SABC AFRICA

“This film could not be more topical. With the Bush administration trying to push through legislation that would extract oil from the pristine North Slope of Alaska, the Gwch’in, who have lived there for centuries, are fighting to protect their way of life. Interspersed with music and song, the plight of the Gwich’in is chronicled with interviews and stunning visuals.”

— Eastern Door

“It’s insightful for South Africans to hear the plight of Indigenous Peoples Worldwide, and the World Summit provided the perfect platform for this screening.”

— SABC Africa

“Cultivating Indigenous world awareness. Native rock artist Robby Romero of “Red Thunder” has long been outspoken and passionate about the environment.”

— Awareness Magazine

“Hidden Medicine is an experimental, mystical film that deals with the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the environment. The film beautifully weaves story, poetry, music and politics, creating an impending sense of our planet’s struggle to survive.”

— Sundance Film Festival

“Robby Romero and his band Red Thunder are changing the world — and the world of music.”

— Los Angeles Times Magazine

“Feedback has been more than positive: Congratulations on a very successful show that has generated more viewer calls than any other show to date.”

— MTV Networks

“In the spirit of Woody Guthrie’s Tom Joad, Robby Romero is there wherever Native Americans are fighting for the rights. He is an articulate artist and advocate for the causes and concerns behind a cultural resistance that is older than this country.”

— Danny Schechter, Media Channel

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

“The United States of America and its allies can no longer circumvent their responsibilities to Native Peoples. The time has come to honor our Human Rights, our Treaty Rights, and our Civil Rights and to fully respect and execute the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) — for the well-being and protection of Mother Earth and the generations to come.”

— ROBBY ROMERO

Join us in supporting Grassroots campaigns that champion Indigenous Peoples, Children, and the Environment!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & ADVISORS

The success of NCS would not be possible without our Board of Directors and the wisdom, guidance, and support of our relatives who have advised and worked with us over the years. We appreciate your commitment and contributions.

DIRECTORS

Ta’Kaiya Blaney | Youth Ambassador

Ta'Kaiya grew up along the shores of the Salish Sea and is an award-winning singer-songwriter, actress, and youth activist. Her work with Native Children's Survival began in 2013. For more than a decade, Ta'Kaiya has spoken and performed at grassroots Indigenous gatherings and rallies and International conferences and forums across the globe. At 13, Ta'Kaiya delivered an intervention establishing the Native Children's Survival Indigenous Children's Fund at the Thirteenth Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues held at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Most recently, Ta'Kaiya addressed the People's Plenary and initiated a "Walk Out" during the United Nations 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) on Climate Change in Glasgow and led a youth delegation at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal, Canada.

Dakhóta Romero | Goodwill Ambassador

Dakhóta grew up between the multicultural societies of Taos, New Mexico, and Los Angeles, California. She is a singer, dancer, dance instructor, actress, and business owner. Dakota's work with Native Children's Survival began at the age of four when Dakhóta traveled to Kari-Oca and Kayapo villages in the Amazon Rainforest. From the International Children's Choir at the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to the Sacred Run for Land & Life, to Standing Rock, Dakhóta has participated in and performed at local and global cultural, human rights, and environmental events worldwide. On Indigenous Peoples' Day, Dakhóta performed at the National Museum of Denmark during the United Nations Conference of the Parties, COP15 in Copenhagen, and at the closing ceremony of ArtCOP21, during COP21 in Paris, France. Dakhóta's work with Native Children's Survival has helped bridge the gap between Indigenous Peoples, Children, and the Environment.

Delaney Blaney | Vice-Chairperson

Delaney hails from the Tla'Amin Nation on the Northwest Coast of Turtle Island. He grew up on the reservation, playing in the woods and living on berries and shellfish during his summer breaks. As a child, Del was constantly gathering, fishing and hunting. He was sent to St. Mary residential school in Mission, BC. He attended University and worked in forestry, making good money. But, the landslides and deforestation that came with every tree cut down and each mountain clear-cut was disheartening and caused him to quit. Del has a wealth of traditional knowledge and a Master's in Education. He uses his gifts to advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples and Mother Earth.

Robby Romero | Founder & Chairperson

Robby grew up traveling between N'de, Pueblo, and Dené Territory in New Mexico, and Gabrieleño Tongva, Fernandeño Tataviam, and Ventureño Chumash Territory in Hollywood. He rose to prominence with the global broadcast of his first internationally televised music picture campaign, IS IT TOO LATE, and his designation as a United Nations Ambassador of Youth for the Environment. His stereotype-breaking PSAs, music pictures, and social and environmental-themed films broadcast on MTV and VH1 introduced Native Rock Music to the music television generation. His groundbreaking and critically acclaimed "Indian Country Tour" crossed boundaries into the music industry's renowned theaters, pavilions, amphitheaters, and arenas. His work and profits from give-back merchandise and lifestyle products have supported the traditional practices of Indigenous Peoples and human rights and environmental organizations on the front lines of social and ecological justice. Robby has received multiple cultural honors and awards.

ADVISORS ~ Past To Present

Melanie Benjamin
Chief Executive, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

Casey Camp-Horinek
Native Rights Activist, Actress, Environmentalist, Traditional Drumkeeper Ponca Pa-tha-ta, Woman’s Scalp Dance Society

Marcella Gilbert
Lakota and Dakota Community Organizer, Warrior Women Project

Sarah James
Award-winning Environmentalist, Co-founder Gwich’in Steering Community, Neetsaii' Gwich’in Tribal Spokesperson for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Floyd "Buck" Jourdain, Jr.

Red Lake Nation Chairman (2004 to 2014), 2016 recipient of the Bush Fellowship for Leadership Development, Director of Equity, Cultural Education, and Archives at Red Lake Nation College.

Dune Lankard
Award-winning Environmentalist, Founder of RedZone and the Eyak Preservation Council

Chief Arvol Looking Horse
19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe of the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota Sioux Nation

Chief Oren Lyons
Faithkeeper, Grand Council of Chiefs of the Haudenosaunee, Professor and Professor Emeritus of American Indian Studies, Co-Founder Native Studies Program, SUNY Buffalo, International Activist for Native Sovereignty

Richard Moves Camp
Oglala Lakota Spiritual Leader

Terrence Nelson
Councillor, 5-term Chief of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, Former Grand Chief Southern Chiefs' Organization

Madonna Thunder Hawk
Elder of the American Indian Movement, Co-Founder Women Of All Red Nations, Black Hills Alliance, and Warrior Women Project

IN MEMORY

Our gratitude, love and prayers go out to the families and friends of our board of advisors who have taken their journey to the spirit world. Their unwavering dedication to uphold and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Mother Earth, remains a source of strength for our people and the coming generations.

Dennis Banks
(1937-2017)
Activist, Teacher, Author, Traditional Singer, Honorary Founding Member of Native Children’s Survival, Co-Founder and Leader of the American Indian Movement, Founder of the Sacred Run

Ole Cassadore-Davis
(1924-2012)
Apache Spiritual Leader, Founder of the Apache Survival Coalition

Tonya Gonnella Frichner, Esq.
(1948-2015)
Attorney, Founder of the American Indian Law Alliance, Member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (2008-2011)

Janet McCloud
(1934–2003)
Mother of Movements, Founder of the Sapa Dawn Center, Co-founder of Women Of All Red Nations, Indigenous Women's Network, the "the Rosa Parks of the American Indian Movement"

Rita Rogers
(1937-2012)
Actress, Dancer, Honorary Founding Member of Native Children’s Survival, Advocate for Gender Equality and the Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and People of Color in Hollywood