THANK YOU COLORADO SKI AREAS!

To all those who contributed to Colorado's Millennial Gesture to the Utes--an historical breakthru for humanity to heal the"Spirit of America." "A Role Model for America," said NSAA's Michael Berry. NVF's Board especially thanks the People of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, Steamboat's Billy Kidd for giving Ute Kids an Olympic Ski Dream this season, Telluride for the most magnificent Ute Sculpture Ever, Vail for naming their awesome "Blue Sky Basin" after the Utes, and Purgatory, for pioneering a Ute Ski Program next to the Ignacio Southern Ute Reservation, who founded this unity bridge with our Ambassador, Ross Anderson, "The Fastest Native American on Skis." (137mph)

For Aspen's euphoric finale of the season, thank you Mayor Rachael Richards, Vice Mayor Terry Paulson and the Aspen Council, The Crown Family, Pat O'Donnell, Newton Bartley of Aspen Skiing Company, Jonas Weil of the Aspen Museum and Historical Society, and Incline and Pomeroy Sports for the rentals.

For the silent auction: Rolex (said Chairman Roland Puton--"It's about time we honored Native Americans") and artists Dana Ivers (for Crow Earl Biss Lithograph), Navajo Jackie Black, and Christo and Jean Claude, for helping fund on going Native Programs in Aspen, to help insure that our children can continue to "walk in beauty" for generations to come. (A few lithographs still available at 970-927-5406)

The Utes, Lakota, Pima and Zuni Dancers also appreciated the best accommodations they've had in Colorado thanks to Bill Tomcich's Aspen Central Reservations and the TLC of the Hearthstone, Aspen Mt Lodge, Hotel Aspen and Aspen Square. Thanks also to the Lenado, Limelight and The Gant for offering rooms. Plus John Denver, Aspen Ski Co's Buzz Bainbridge, Connie and David Marlow and Sarah Pletts for lighting the way.

The Indian kids said they had "a cool time" skiing and snowboarding with some of Snowmass' fine instructors: Sergio, Cary, Shaffon, and Michael and Aspen Mountain Ambassador Faril Meistrell, as well as Pletts.

Thanks to the gracious reception at the St Regis, We also thank the press and David Flaum of Song Mt and Lakota Joe Valandra of BK Entertainment for giving this unity dream wings to fly!

Finally, we deeply appreciate the Utes as well as the Lakota, Zuni and Pima dancers and Native Peoples of this valley for keeping their hearts open to start a new beginning...that has already made progress in healing Mother Earth for our children!

Sincerely,

Suzy Chaffee and Alden Naranjo

Native American Olympic Team Foundation