Chaffee honoring speedski champ Stew Young

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Chaffee honoring speedski champ Stew Young, as well as MVP’s of the Salt Lake Native American Olympic Opening Ceremonies, Forest Cuch and Larry Blackhair (N. Utes), and Olympic ice dancing star Naomi Lang (Karuk), at NAOTF’s Olympic press conference and reception that inspired the world story: “Indians End Games End Game on High Note.”

Hailing from the Tulalip (Killer Whale Tribe), Stew was the “Fastest Veteran on Skis in US, 3rd in World in ’98,” a lead Sovereignty Runner, and Professor of Videography at Oregon State, who loves to coach and is scouting for Native Olympic talent in skiing, snowboarding, running and canoeing. The press conference, as well as SL Olympic Protection Ceremony, guided by Arvol Lookinghorse, was led by N. Ute Tribal Chairman Roland McCook and supported by Muhammad Ali (it worked!). All thanks to our sponsors: the Morongo Band of the California Mission Indians, Utah Division of Indian Affairs, and Grammy Award winner, Denise Rich.

What a surprise as I thought Americans and Canadians lost completely their links with the ancient roots, knowledge and traditions of the original inhabitants, so thanks for sharing and all your efforts. --Eduardo de la Barrera, Latin American

NAOTF’s inspiring work is helping bring racial harmony to America.”       -- President Bill Clinton

“As co-founder and Vice Chair of the U.S. House of Representative’s Native American Caucus (60 members), congratulations on your Native American Millennial Ski events. It’s heartening to know that there are groups like yours across America that are working to better the lives of their Indian friends and neighbors."     --Patrick Kennedy, Member of Congress 

"Congratulations on all the efforts of Native American Olympic Team Foundation. All of us at Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation hope that the success of our "Future Ute Olympians Program" (taught by Billy's Olympic coaches) will stimulate other resorts and towns to host Native American youth for ski and snowboarding experiences. If we may be of further help in spreading the word, please let us know." --Chris Diamond, President, and Billy Kidd, Director of Skiing