Film features Dr. Donald Warne, first Native American nominee for the U.S. Surgeon General, and Dr. Evan Adams, prominent Native American actor and deputy provincial health officer for Aboriginal Health, British Columbia
 
NASHVILLE, TN — September 30, 2014 — One Feather Consulting (www.onefeatherconsulting.com), a provider of employee assistance (EAP) and disease management services to Native Nations and the Indian gaming industry, today announces the release of a film produced to raise awareness of the work/life challenges of Native American workforces and their families.  Directed by Native American actor and producer Gary Sundown and featuring Donald Warne, MD, MPH, prominent Native American actor, Dr. Evan Adams (“Thomas Builds-The-Fire” from the movie Smoke Signals), and a cast of Native Americans, the film shows the effectiveness of "culturally-attuned" employee assistance services for the over 1000 tribes, bands and Indigenous groups across North America.
 
"As a Native-owned EAP, we understand the diverse social structures, traditions, and environmental culture of Native Peoples, and are intimately familiar with the issues employees and their families are grappling with -- as well as what it takes to overcome ingrained cultural resistance to counseling," said Dr. Rodney Haring, Founder and CEO of One Feather Consulting. "We think the film will resonate with Native American audiences, as it's grounded in our experience and speaks directly to our challenges. It's been a pleasure to work with such a talented cast and crew in telling our story, from a first runner-up for Miss Indian World, to a renowned artist, and a gifted group of actors and producers, many of whom have appeared in major motion pictures such as Crooked Arrows, The Business of Fancy Dancing, Lost in the Barrens, and The New World. We're all excited to be premiering this at the National Native American Human Resources Association in Nashville." 
 
“I always remember one of my elders saying when she was a little girl, 'there was nothing to do—nothing to do-- but help the people,' a powerful idea that I carry with me and one that animates this film," said spokesperson Dr. Evan Adams. "Care giving, mutual support and a strong sense of community are fundamental to who we are as a people, and is something that is strongly conveyed by this film."
 
Studies have shown a clear relationship between EAP use and an improvement in work performance and decrease in absenteeism.  An employer sponsored EAP program can reduce an employer's disability costs, medical costs, pharmacy costs, and worker's compensation costs.  Working in conjunction with Chestnut Global Partners, a provider of culturally-aware employee assistance and wellness programs to companies worldwide, One Feather utilizes an outcomes-based approach designed by Chestnut's team of doctorial-level behavioral scientists.
 
"As the film vividly demonstrates, One Feather Consulting provides an invaluable service to a diverse population that has historically been underserved, and are the first to bring a broad and deep awareness of Native American tradition and culture to EAP delivery," said Russ Hagen, President and CEO of Chestnut Global Partners, who are referred to in the film. "As a Native-American EAP, they are able to overcome issues of historical mistrust, and understand the different environmental contexts—urban vs. reservation-based populations—how to read communications cues, and the acute sensitivity to assure confidentiality given that many people on the reservation are related, whether by blood, by marriage, or through social networks. The film will go a long way in raising awareness of the services and support One Feature makes available to Native, First Nations, and indigenous communities."   
 
Shot on the sovereign territories of Seneca Nation of Indians, the film can be viewed at
 
 
About One Feather Consulting
One Feather Consulting (www.onefeatherconulting.com) is a majority Native American owned company with its administrative office based from the sovereign territory of the Seneca Nation of Indians (New York). The company was founded by Dr. Rodney Haring, an enrolled member and resident of the Seneca Nation of Indians. For over a decade, One Feather Consulting has offered nationwide culturally sensitive approaches to employee assistance programming, program evaluation, market research, feasibility studies, and related services. Services are intended for a diverse clientele including Native American tribes, Native owned casinos, Native American urban centers, organizations doing work with tribes or Native peoples, Native owned business ventures, Native based projects, and governmental agencies working with tribal entities.
Contact: 1-800-905-2911 or info@onefeatherconsulting.com for more information.
 
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For editorial information, contact:
Charles Epstein
BackBone, Inc.
che@backboneinc.com