"Black Indians: An American Story” (as seen on ABC) brings to light a forgotten part of Americans past – the cultural and racial fusion of Native and African Americans. Narrated by James Earl Jones, “Black Indians: An American Story” explores what brought the two groups together, what drove them apart and the challenges they face today.

Distinguished Awards:

- Award of Distinction, Indian Summer Festival 2005

- Cine Golden Eagle 2002

- Crystal Award of Excellence, Communicator Awards 2002

- Best Documentary, Native American Music Awards 2002

- Aurora Gold Award 2001

A society that wants to build the future must know its past, its real past, as it was.” But what if that past had been lost, forgotten, hidden, or denied?

"Black Indians: An American Story,” explores the issue of racial identity among Native and African Americans. This in-depth documentary examines the coalescence of these two groups in American history. Discounted, and often ignored by mainstream America, these minority peoples have often shared a common past. However, with their heritage ignored and their contributions denied they are all but invisible at the dawn of the new millennium.

It was a black and white world in the early days of the Republic and little or no thought was given to people of mixed race, especially if they looked "black.” “We were told ‘if you could pass for white, that's who you'd be; if not, it was usually better to be identified as black than Indian,’" recalls Executive Producer Steven Heape. "It was this kind of thinking that later led to ‘pencil genocide’--changing one’s race on a birth certificate to fit the skin color of the child.”

This well-researched documentary presents a troubling portrait - and indictment - of the U.S. government's dismal failure to provide health care in fulfillment of federal treaty and trustee obligations with American Indian nations. is a quality, Hi Definition, feature-length documentary. Its sobering message will provoke debate and is highly recommended it to anyone wishing to understand the historical and contemporary experience of Native Americans.

Peter Coyote narrates, inviting viewers to engage in the national dialogue on health care from a native perspective. The powerful images and voices from some of the most vulnerable communities in Indian Country provide historical evidence of just how poorly health care services have been funded and managed, while hundreds of treaties promising health care, education and protected status in exchange for millions of acres of land, have continued to be dishonored and ignored by the federal government. Current perspectives are equally disheartening: the introduction and substitution of food commodities for traditional native diets is discussed as a major contributing factor to the alarming increase in diabetes, heart disease and other native health concerns.

"How to Trace Your Native American Heritage" teaches how to search out your Native American ancestors, obtain tribal citizenship, how to research the Dawes Rolls and discover your heritage.

Distinguished Awards:

- Crystal Award of Excellence

- Telly Awards 1999

"With all beings and all things we shall be as relatives"

~ Black Elk, Oglala Sioux ~

Find your place in the circle of life. 

This process could have you enrolled in as little as ninety days. Discover your Native American Heritage...for you, for your children, and for their children after them. This is an informative new DVD that will help you discover your Native American Heritage and Ancestry. Use it as a guide to search out the path of your ancestors and establish your roots within the Circle of Life. Running Time 40 minutes 

In this video you will learn...

How to obtain a CDIB card! (Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood)

-How to obtain your Tribal Citizenship

-How and where to research the Dawes Rolls

-Listings of over five hundred federally recognized American Indian Tribes

-How to participate in Tribal Elections

-Internet sites to assist your search!

“Our Spirits Don't Speak English: Indian Boarding School" is a Native American perspective on Indian Boarding Schools. This DVD produced by Rich-Heape Films, Inc. uncovers the dark history of U.S. Government policy which took Indian children from their homes, forced them into boarding schools and enacted a policy of educating them in the ways of Western Society. This DVD gives a voice to the countless Indian children forced through a system designed to strip them of their Native American culture, heritage and traditions.

The Romance of a Vanishing Race includes three historic motion pictures of American Indians and their life-style in the early 1900s. Featuring Tribal Chiefs who participated in the Last Great Indian Council and several who fought at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Originally produced on 35mm film, this priceless footage, recently discovered within the lost treasures of the National Archives is re-mastered to include an original music score and soundtrack to further preserve the Native American history and culture.

PROGRAM #1 – THE ROMANCE OF THE VANISHING RACE 

A view of Indian life in the Southwest featuring Navajo, Pueblo, Crow, and Hopi tribes. . Released 1916. Running Time 29 minutes

PROGRAM #2 – RODMAN WANAMAKER EXPEDITION OF CITIZENSHIP TO THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN 

Carrying the Flag and a Message of Hope to a Vanishing Race – Dr. Joseph Dixon explains the symbolism of the flag to numerous Indian tribes. Released 1913. Running Time 26 minutes

PROGRAM #3 – WINTER FARM LIFE ON A CROW RESERVATION 

Shows reservation life including butchering a cow, raising a teepee, and ceremonies. Released 1921. Running Time 8 minutes

Tales of Wonder I

An enchanting collection of Indian stories and legends told from generation to generation. Entertainment for the whole family.

This DVD is narrated by acclaimed storyteller and linguist, Gregg Howard. who was recently awarded Storyteller of the Year by the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. Accompanied by Flutist Nash Hernandez and gifted sketch artist Kathleen Raymond Roan, who illustrates the stories as they unfold, Gregg entertains his audience with nine stories in all.

Stories included on Tales of Wonder I:

• Rabbit & the Bear
  
• Why Rabbit has a Short Tail
  
• Why Possum’s Tail is Bare
  
• The Ruby Necklace
  
• Plieades and the Pine Tree
  
• Why Little Grey Bat Flies at Night
  
• Little Turtle and How His Shell Got Cracked
  
• The Origin of Fire
  
• How Deer Got the Antlers Instead of Rabbit
  

Tales of Wonder II

Tales of Wonder II is produced in the same award winning style as Tales of Wonder which has received numerous awards.

Tales of Wonder II, includes nine fireside stories told in the Native American tradition by acclaimed storyteller and linguist, Gregg Howard and accompanied by Flutist, William P. Gutierrez. Talented sketch artist Haley Burke creates drawings as the stories come to life. Tales of Wonder II entertains children and adults alike with Gregg's traditional way of Native American storytelling. Running Time 60 minutes

Stories included on Tales of Wonder II:

• Flying Squirrel
  
• Hawk & Hunter
  
• Strawberries
  
• Daughter of the Sun
  
• Sky People
  
• Democracy
  
• Dream Catcher
  
• The Ball Game
  
• Orgin of Bluebonnets -
  

James Earl Jones narrates Rich-Heape Films, Inc.'s "Trail of Tears Cherokee Legacy"

Noted actor James Earl Jones had previously provided his voice to Rich-Heape Films, Inc. award-winning documentary Black Indians: An American Story. Mr. Jones, who is of blended African and Cherokee heritage, narrates in his customary and convincing tones and will lead an already distinguished group of celebrity voices.

Wes Studi, the best known Cherokee actor, presents the documentary film, speaking on camera in his native tongue (with subtitles). Mr. Jones and Mr. Studi are supported by the celebrity voices of actor James Garner, Crystal Gayle and actor John Buttram and former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder reading diary excerpts, and a host of historical experts from major universities.

Endorsed by the Cherokee Nation and the Easter band of Cherokee Indians.

Experience the magic of a Walela Live In Concert on this new DVD or Audio CD. Performed and recorded on HDTV and Surround sound at the Dallas Theater Center, Kalita Humphreys Theater, Dallas, Texas. Benefiting SNPPI's diabetes awareness projects. 12 of the most beautiful and melodic songs created by Walela. An inspirational musical journey of the Spirit. Open your heart to the marvelous and magical harmony of this very special experience. This wonderful Walela Live In Concert release is a must-have addition for anyone who loves their Cherokee heritage! Running time one delightful hour. 

� �Walela Live In Concert”  (as seen on PBS and "Winner" of Best Video, Native American Music Awards 2005) is an inspirational musical journey of the Spirit as performed by Rita Coolidge, her sister Priscilla Coolidge, and Priscilla's daughter Laura Satterfield. Walela, the Cherokee language word for Hummingbird and the symbol of inspiration for this harmonious family of women singers.

Walela Live In Concert 

Rita Coolidge, Laura Satterfield, Priscilla Coolidge 

Released April 15, 2004