Joanelle Ronero Founder CEO President RNCI and RNIFF
Oyate Wayanka Po Win / People Who See This Woman
A Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Short-Listed for an Academy Award
Romero received the Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian Award for “the vision to see the truth…and the courage to speak it” (Arpa International Film Festival)
“Like Nelson Mandela, Romero is a prime example of forgiveness in action. Mandela-like, she stands on his mighty global shoulders, calls for oneness, love & what she describes as female energy.”
Formerly known as the Vision Award, this distinguished honor was renamed to recognize Joanelle Romero’sextraordinary contributions to film, advocacy, and cultural leadership. The award celebrates her enduring impact in advancing authentic Native and Indigenous representation across film, television, and all media, while honoring her lifelong commitment to empowering Indigenous storytellers and transforming the entertainment industry.
Past recipients
Ryan Flynn You’re No Indian 2025
George McAuliffe 2024
Bryant High Horse 2024
Riley Keough 2023
Gina Gammell 2023
Rebecca Harrell Tickell 2021
Josh Tickell 2021
Native Wellness Institute 2014
Arapaho Nation Wind River Reservation / “Listening for A New Day” 2014
Connie Stevens 2015
Dennis and Elizabeth Kucinich 2010
Michael Jackson 2009
President Barack Obama 2009
The Joanelle Romero Global Impact Award
31 YEARS OF IMPACT
Elevating Native and Indigenous Voices Through Storytelling
Celebrating Culture & Community
Red Nation International Film Festival (RNIFF) is the largest Native & Indigenous Film Festival in the U.S. and worldwide!