Dennis Brandon Receives Alaska Travel Industry Association's Denali Award

CIRI Vice President of Tourism Dennis Brandon was recently named the Alaska Tourism Industry Association's Denali Award winner for his work in Alaska's visitor industry after the events of September 11. The award was presented in October during an awards ceremony at the Alaska Travel Industry Association's annual meeting in Juneau. "Dennis really went to bat for the industry," said Paul Carter, who is the Alaska Tourism Industry Association awards committee chair and president of NorthWay of Alaska. The Denali Award is presented to a living individual for their outstanding leadership, professional excellence and personal contributions to the Alaska travel industry. The Denali Award is similar to the former Alaska Visitor's Association's North Star Award, which was given to an individual who proved himself/herself to be an ambassador for Alaska tourism through a positive relationship with the public and the industry.

Dennis Brandon, CIRI Vice President, Tourism

"I'm humbled to be recognized for my involvement in the visitor industry. I am passionate about the Alaska visitor industry, and involved because of the industry's importance to Alaska's overall economy," said Brandon, who has dedicated the past 20 years to the Alaska tourism industry and bringing visitors to the state. He has trumpeted Alaska as a year-round visitor destination on behalf of companies such as Westmark Hotels and most recently for CIRI Alaska Tourism.

Over the past five years, Brandon has lead CIRI's tourism operations to showcase some of the best of Southcentral Alaska - including the Kenai Peninsula, Prince William Sound, and Mt. McKinley.

Brandon continues to play a prominent role in the local tourism industry by serving on the boards of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, the Alaska Tourism Industry Association, and as twice past president of the former Alaska Visitors Association and as a past chairman for the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce. He is also a former member of the executive board of the Anchorage Olympic Organizing Committee. In 1994 he was appointed to the Denali Task Force by the Secretary of the Interior and appointed by the Governor as co-chair of the Marketing Alaska Initiative Board in 1995.

President Bush Names November National American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month

President George W. Bush declared November National American Indian Heritage Month, to celebrate the rich cultural traditions and proud ancestry of American Indians and Alaska Natives, and to recognize the vital contributions these groups have made to the strength and diversity of our society.

"American Indians and Alaska Natives have played a central role in our history. In 1805 and 1806, Sakajawea, a Shoshone Indian woman, helped guide Lewis and Clark on their historic expedition to explore the uncharted West. This remarkable journey, known as the 'Voyage of Discovery,' would not have been possible without her efforts, and today she remains a proud symbol of American Indian courage and strength," said the President.

"We are also grateful to the Navajo Codetalkers for their service during World War II. Participating in every assault the U.S. Marines conducted in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945, the Navajo Codetalkers relayed secret messages that helped our Nation and the allies secure victory. The Congress recognized these heroes by authorizing the President to award them Congressional Gold Medals, which I was honored to present last year. These examples of our true American spirit reflect our shared history and serve as reminders of the unique heritage of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Upon its completion on the National Mall, the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian will help educate all Americans about the lives, contributions, and cultures of our Native peoples," added President Bush.

For information about events in the Anchorage area celebrating American Indians and Alaska Natives during the month of November, visit www.scnea.org

Second Sherman Alexie Film Released

Sherman Alexie's film The Business of Fancydancing, a Sundance Film Festival official selection, is now showing at select theaters. "The Business of Fancydancing" is a poetic story of growth, death and the choices that define us. The Business of Fancydancing reunites Spokane Reservation best friends Aristotle Joseph (Gene Tagaban) and Seymour Polatkin (Evan Adams) 16 years after their high school graduation. Beginning with a brief flashback to the young men's enthusiastic look to the unlimited future, the film mirrors both Aristotle and Seymour as they leave "the rez" for college in Seattle. For more details or to learn more about the film go to www.fallsapart.com.

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