National Community Spirit Awards honoring Native American artists comes to Twin Cities

News
Six Native American artists will be honored at the First People's Fund national Community Spirit Awards at Steppingstone Theatre in St. Paul on September 10 at 7:00 p.m. Honorees are:
  • Alfred “Bud” Lane III (Siletz); Siletz, OR
  • Richard Zane Smith (Wyandot); Wyandot, OK
  • Trudie Lamb Richmond (Schaghticote); Ledyard, CT
  • Wade Fernandez (Menominee); Keshena, Wisconsin
  • Ramona Peters (Mashpee Wampanoag); Mashpee, MA
  • Therese St. Cyr (Oglala Lakota); Winnebago, Nebraska
In addition to recognition there will be performances by honorees, Tuscarora singers Ulali, and Twin Cities Native artists Larry Yazzie and Midnite Express Drum Group. There also will be an opportunity to meet the honorees and guest performers at a public reception immediately following the program. Tickets are $35 and available through SteppingStone Theatre.
Headshot of Leah Cooper
Leah Cooper

Leah Cooper is a freelance stage director, nonprofit administration consultant, co-founder of this here Web site, co-artistic director of Wonderlust Productions, and the Executive Director of the Minnesota Theater Alliance. She is also on the board of directors for Live Action Set and the California Institute of Contemporary Arts. From 2001 to 2006, she led the Minnesota Fringe Festival to annual attendance increases and financial stability. Up next, she is directing Shooting Star at Park Square Theatre and writing a play for Wonderlust's Adoption Play Project.