'Turquoise Rose' actress announced as grand marshal for 2007 Native American Connections parade

PHOENIX-Native American Connections (NAC) announced actress/model and journalist Natasha Kaye Johnson will be grand marshal for the 2007 NAC Parade, to be held Saturday, Oct. 13.

The parade is one of the major events held as part of the 25th Annual Native American Recognition Days (NARD), the Valley's annual series of events honoring Native Americans. This year's theme for NARD's host of events is "25th Silver Anniversary, 25 years of Celebrating Native American Communities and Cultures."

In the summer of 2005, Natasha Kaye Johnson was cast in the lead role of the full-length feature film "Turquoise Rose," produced and directed by Holt Hamilton of Mesa. Since its debut this summer, the film, which includes an all-Navajo lead cast, has sold out to audiences throughout the Navajo Nation, and drew in a sold out crowd during its premiere in the valley at the Harkins Theatre in the Tempe Marketplace Mall.

The film was the first Johnson ever auditioned for, and her role as "Turquoise" has opened up further opportunities in the film and modeling industry.

This 25th Annual Parade is again produced by NAC. The parade features nearly 100 entries every year, including Native veterans groups, tribal communities, community groups, youth/college groups, equestrian teams, traditional dancers, music and bands and tribal royalty and dignitaries. The community is invited to come and share in the rich cultural heritage of Native Nations from all over the Southwest as they showcase their traditional songs and dances. Parade entry applications are now being accepted.

The parade will begin at

9 a.m. at Monterey Park on 3rd Street and Oak, located south of St. Mary's High School, going north on 3rd Street and ending at Steele Indian School Park, located at Indian School Road and 3rd Street at 11 a.m. The parade will be followed by an awards ceremony during the 2007 American Indian Prevention Coalition's social powwow at Steele Indian School Park.

Direct and in-kind sponsors for the 2007 parade include: Wells Fargo Bank, the City of Phoenix and Pima Awards and Promotional Products. Promotional support is provided by KAZ-TV and Alternative Marketing Solutions, Inc., and assisted through Asdza Shash Productions

NAC is a private

nonprofit 501 (c) (3) agency founded in 1972 to provide basic needs services to Native people living in the Phoenix area. NAC's mission is to improve the quality of life and communities through Native American culturally centered opportunities in health, housing, and development.

NAC currently owns and operates behavioral health and affordable housing communities at fifteen sites within the Phoenix area.

The 2007 NAC Parade and other NARD events are free and open to the public. For more information on how to participate or volunteer, call (602) 254-3247, e-mail parade@nativeconnections.org, or visit www.nativeconnections.org.

For more information on the 2007 NARD events, visit

www.aznard.org.

For more information about Natasha Kaye Johnson and the movie Turquoise Rose, visit www.turquoiserosethemovie.com.