Inaugural Event Celebrates 40 Years of Service to Urban Native Americans
and to People in Greatest Need

(Albuquerque, N.M.) – Chris Eyre, director of the critically acclaimed film “Smoke Signals,” will host the Black & White Ball, a fundraiser and evening of dinner and dancing on Saturday, March 9, to celebrate 40 years of service by First Nations Community HealthSource to urban Native Americans and to under-served people in Albuquerque.

“This inaugural event will help continue our unique care model that integrates traditional values to enhance the well-being of Native American families and our growing services to all vulnerable people who otherwise may lack preventive healthcare,” said Linda Son Stone, Ph.D., First Nations chief executive officer.

Event host Chris Eyre has been called the preeminent Native American filmmaker of his time. Joining him as the keynote speaker for the evening will be Evan Adams, M.D., a Coast Salish actor and physician from the Sliammon Band near Powell River, British Columbia. Dr. Adams, who is known for his roles in “Smoke Signals” and the 2002 film “The Business of Fancydancing,” currently serves as Deputy Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia. The evening includes a formal dinner, silent auction and dancing to the music of Sina Soula with Rodney Bowe’s Sweet Life.

“Founded in 1972, First Nations provides a comprehensive range of health and human services to treat not just the disease, but the whole person and his or her family”, Stone said. In the last five years, the number of people seeking care at the organization’s center, located at 5608 Zuni Rd. SE. in Albuquerque, grew from 4,300 to 14,000 a year and its annual budget swelled from $1 million to $10 million, with a second location and the Native American Wellness and Healing Center planned for later this year.
With sponsorship from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, PNM, New Mexico Gas Company, United Healthcare and Peoples Bank, the ball is a first step in creating financial self-sufficiency through a multi-year awareness and fund raising campaign, Stone said. First Nations has relied on government grants to primarily fund its growth in the past.

The Black & White Ball takes place Saturday, March 9, at the Hotel Albuquerque, 800 Rio Grande Blvd. in Albuquerque from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. To make a reservation or become a sponsor, visit www.fnchgala.org.