25th Annual ‘American Spirit Award Dinner’ Premier Fundraiser for Indian Education To Be Held at Morongo Indian Reservation, California
June 8, 2005
Holland & Knight Co-Sponsoring CERT Fundraiser
Morongo Indian Reservation, California – The Denver-based Council of
Energy Resource Tribes (CERT), a consortium of 57 American and Canadian Indian
tribes, and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians have announced that the 25th
annual American Spirit Award Dinner will be hosted by the Morongo Tribe at
their new Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa (a 90 minute drive east of Los Angeles in
Cabazon, California). The dinner, a leading fundraiser for Indian education,
will be held on Tuesday, June 21.
Over $8 million has been raised for CERT education programs through the
American Spirit Award Dinner.
The dinner is part of a three-day conference, “Indian Energy Solutions 2005”
which focuses on current Indian energy policies, economic development, energy
market trends, alternative and renewable energies and tribal utility
formation. More than 500 energy industry officials, state and federal elected
leaders, tribal representatives and press are expected to attend.
Holland & Knight law firm is a sponsor of the fundraising event and the firm’s
tribal law practice team works with CERT on assisting the affiliated Tribes in
developing energy projects.
“The conference and the dinner celebrate the growing cooperative relationship
between industry and American Indian tribes,” said Roger Fragua, CERT deputy
director. “The dinner itself was conceived 30 years ago as a prestigious event,
hosted by Indian leaders, to further Indian education goals. The program has
assisted over 1,000 Indian students and promises to provide assistance for
thousands more.”
“We are honored to participate in the Annual Spirit Dinner,” said Jerry
Levine, the head of Holland & Knight’s Tribal Law Practice Team. “The funds
generated at this event each year are helping to foster a generation of Native
Americans who will undoubtedly determine their own bright futures. Our firm will
continue to support CERT’s laudable goals and mission.”
This year’s dinner will present the prestigious American Spirit Award
to longtime Indian activist and Indian law expert Virginia W. Boylan.
About CERT: The Council of Energy Resource Tribes (CERT) was founded
in 1975 by 25 energy resource owning American Indian tribes. CERT member tribes
maintain complete management of their valuable resources and participate in all
aspects of managing their resources, from negotiating agreements, protecting the
environment, realizing the value of water and other resources to verifying
revenue payments. For more information:
www.CertRedEarth.com or (303) 282-7576.
Contact: Beth Salvosa, (202) 663-7240