Navajo Nation Speaker attends premiere of 'The New World'

Photo by Karen Francis
Pictured are the star of the film QÕOrianka Kilcher surrounded by native people after viewing the world premiere of the movie, including to the her left, Navajo Housing Authority director Chester Carl, and to her right, Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council Lawrence T. Morgan.

Photo by Karen Francis Pictured are the star of the film QÕOrianka Kilcher surrounded by native people after viewing the world premiere of the movie, including to the her left, Navajo Housing Authority director Chester Carl, and to her right, Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council Lawrence T. Morgan.

The Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council Lawrence T. Morgan (Iyanbito/Pinedale) attended the red-carpet premiere of the New Line Cinema movie "The New World," in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Dec. 15,.

The speaker, who attended with his staff and Navajo Housing Authority director Chester Carl, was invited by one of the stars of the new film Q'orianka Kilcher. Kilcher had attended the 59th Annual Navajo Nation Fair in September, where she was hosted by the Office of the Speaker and Navajo Housing Authority.

During her time on the Navajo Nation, Kilcher signed thousands of autographs and joined in the parade. Because of the hospitality and respect shown to her by the Navajo people, she asked the speaker and his staff to join her during the premiere as representative of the Navajo Nation.

This is the first time in history that a Navajo Nation leader has been asked to join the world premiere of a Hollywood movie.

Kilcher is making her feature film debut as Pocahontas in the movie. Starring as John Smith is Colin Farrell. The movie also stars Christian Bale and Wes Studi.

In acknowledging that there are many who feel that the movie does not portray the story accurately, the speaker said, "While there may be historical inaccuracies, the release of this film will introduce many people to the cultures of the native people of this land and inspire many to learn more."

The speaker also noted that the Navajo Nation should take this opportunity as one for further economic development, particularly within the film industry.

"We will have the opportunity to meet with many influential people in Hollywood and to promote the Navajo Nation to those who have the power to make decisions on film location and actors," Speaker Morgan said.

The speaker also offered his support to Kilcher, as an indigenous person trying to succeed in a field with very few indigenous people.

"Q'orianka has shown herself to be a very respectful person who has proven that she has the talent to succeed," Speaker Morgan said. "We offer our support to this young woman who has been through so much to even be in the limelight now, and the Navajo Nation thanks her for sharing that with us."

The premiere took place at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

(Karen Francis is Public Information Officer for the Navajo Nation office of the Speaker.)

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