While the environment has become an issue that is front and center for most of us, for the indigenous peoples around the world, it has always been an issue of primary importance. Landmark Education Graduates Mary Velarde and Veronica Tiller created a the Global Green Indigenous Film Festival in association with its 15th annual environmental conference next spring, the National Tribal Environmental Council (NTEC), a non-profit based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will launch its new own Global Green Indigenous Film Festival from April 18-20, 2008.

The National Tribal Environmental Council is an organization that has been working to “enhance each tribe’s ability to protect, preserve and promote the wise management of air, land and water for the benefit of current and future generations (from website),” and currently has a membership of 184 tribes.

“For nearly 20 years, NTEC has been working with and assisting tribes throughout the country to protect, regulate and manage their environmental resources,” said Jerry Pardilla, NTEC’s executive director. “An international film festival of this caliber adds a new dimension that will bring innovative ideas together as a means for protecting the environment that the global community can benefit from.”

The festival will be held at El Museo Cultural in Santa Fe, in partnership with the New Mexico Tourism Department.

Landmark Forum Graduate Ginny Dixon is a participant in the Team Management and Leadership Program and her Team Game in the world for this last quarter is called Raw Beauty. Dixon has been travelling the world and making a living through her photography for over 20 years, winning two Pulitzer prizes for her work with the Los Angeles Times. During that time, she has participated in a variety of powerful projects that make a difference, including a photographic tribute to breast cancer survivors. In this game, she uses her skills to set up photo shoots for women with disabilities to give the experience of being a fashion model.