Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
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The exclusion of contemporary American Indian images on the networks is the reason Sonny Skyhawk continues to confront the television industry. A renowned Los Angeles-based American Indian actor with 32 years experience, Skyhawk is now playing a different role as executive producer of the Oneida Nation's Four Directions Entertainment, a film and television production company. Skyhawk is touting the Oneida Nation's Four Directions Talent Search as one solution.

In his position with Four Directions Entertainment, Skyhawk is promoting American Indians in the entertainment industry, including spreading the word about the Oneida Nation's Four Directions Talent Search, which will hold additional tryouts in San Bernardino, Minneapolis, Edmonton and Toronto on Saturday, January 18th . In Edmonton the auditions will be held in room 2-400 of the Student Union Building at the University of Alberta. At the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis entrants will perform at Scott Hall room 4. The Native Canadian Center at 16 Spadina Road is the site of the Toronto auditions. And In San Bernardino entrants will perform at Cal State.

According to Skyhawk, "a change has begun. It's a matter of re-educating another generation of executives at the four major networks, asking them to be reflective of the tapestry of races that exist in America and in particular the American Indian." Part of Skyhawk's goal -- and also the goal of the talent search - is to convince the entertainment industry that American Indians are part of mainstream society and can play police officers, bank tellers and the neighbor next door. For years, said Skyhawk, Hollywood has stereotyped American Indians, depicting them in loin clothes, wearing feathers. But Skyhawk is encouraged by the roles American Indians have played on "West Wing," "Crossing Jordan" and the "Sopranos."

"The Four Directions Talent Search is an excellent opportunity, an opportunity that has not been available for American Indians especially," said Skyhawk. The Four Directions Talent Search has already held tryout at venues across the United States and Canada and is open to American Indian and First Nation's people, who wish to showcase their talent in the areas of acting, comedy and writing (teleplays and screenplays).

Those participants chosen from each location will then go on to the finals to be held in New York City in early 2003.

For more information or an application, call 315-829-8399 or visit the
Oneida Nation's Four Directions Talent. All participants must submit
proof of their tribal membership. Print talent search application here.