New York City's Indian Club

History of Native New YorkIn 1926 key leaders in New York City's Native community sought to unify, organize, and cope with the needs of their emergent populace by creating an Indian Club. The club attracted the attention of the New York Times and was referred to it as “the first of its kind.” As a result the participants in the club were able to draw attention to Indians living in the city who in turn could focus the public's attention on the political and economic issues confronting Indians living on and off the reservation. This was crucial during era when Indians not only forgotten but promises made by the federal government in the nineteenth century were forgotten as well. Indians were not vanishing they were becoming invisible especially in a city touted as America's foremost immigrant city.

Among the most prominent community activists were the literary, visual, and performance artists whose talent and creativity not only enhanced social and political projects but, drew attention. Multi-talented people such as Princess Atalie were instrumental in creating political, social, economic and cultural organizations that would sustain the Native community in an urban environment.Some of the performers at the Indian Club:Once "talkies" became popular Princess Red Wing retired from the film industry and moved to Washington, D.C. then New York City to be with other members of her family who were active in building the Native community in the New York City.

Princess Atalie Unkalunt, Cherokee a.k.a. Sunshine Rider was an acclaimed mezzo-soprano, artist, author, actress, and community activist. Princess Atalie came to New York City after serving eighteen months overseas with the Y.M.C.A during World War I.

Iola Boyle, Mohawk, appears in a publicity photograph of the U. S. Reservation Band while on an East Coast tour during the 1930s.

Russell "Big Chief" Moore, trombonist played with Lionel Hampton in 1930 and in Louis Armstrong's band 1944-1947.Comment:  For more on the subject, see The Best Indian Movies.