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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2001

Eight Native American actors and comedians are getting closer at their shot at television fame, having been chosen as finalists in the NBC / Oneida Nation nationwide talent search.

Last night, the group put on their best effort before a crowd of television executives, network casting agents and directors in New York City. According to the tribe, it was lots of fun and games, if you can imagine hanging out with television executives as a way to spend the night out.

But seriously, the eight lucky ones survived rounds of competition as the tribe and NBC held searches thoughout the country and Canada to find the most interesting Native talent out there. They ended up with Don Kelly (Ojibwe from Canada), Trina Sxwithul'txw (Penelakut First Nation, British Columbia), Robin Van Dyke (Ottawa from Michigan) amd Rosalie Jones, (Pembina Chippewa from New York).

Also making the cut were Vanessa Shortbull (Oglala Sioux from South Dakota), Jim Ruel (Ojibwe from Minnesota), Abel Silvas (Juaneno from California) and Chaz Chilcote (Luiseno from California).

Relevant Links:
Four Directions Talent Search - http://www.fourdirectionstalent.com

Relevant Links:
Tribe, NBC partner on talent search (6/1)