The Joanelle Romero Global Impact Award

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

RNCI RNIFF Gold Logo

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!

The first of its kind in Los Angeles.