Robby Romero appeared on SABC Africa during the UN Conference on Sustainable Development discussing the permanent protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with his new rockumentary "THUNDERSTORM: America's Last Frontier"

September 16;  Robby joined more than 300 Indigenous Peoples, (including over 20 Indigenous youth from around the world) to reaffirm the vital role of Indigenous Peoples in sustainable development and right to self-determination.

In contrast to last year's UN World Conference against Racism, the term "Indigenous Peoples" was unconditionally adopted for the first time in an UN official political declaration.
"Respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples brings us closer to a time of healing. For it will take both traditional wisdom and modern technology to truly achieve sustainable development now and for the future generations to come."

Indigenous Peoples now look forward to the upcoming discussions on the UN Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, where we hope that this historical use of the legal term "Indigenous Peoples" will open the way to a smooth approval of the Declaration.

Romero has created a film series entitled “Thunderstorm: A Musical Journey”. Produced by Roland Joffe (The Killing Fields) & Dune Lankard (Eyak Preservation Council) and directed by Robby Romero, it covers our World’s last wild places and the Indigenous Peoples who are protecting them. Episode One focuses on the plight of North Alaska and the proposed oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The series premiered in South Africa on SABC 2’s Environmental show 50/50 – Executive Director Danie Van Der Walt: “It’s insightful for South Africans to hear the plight of Indigenous Peoples Worldwide. And the World Summit provides the perfect platform for this screening.” It aired September 1st, 2002, 7-30-8-30pm. SABC News “Morning Live” and featured an interview with Robby Romero & Sara James, September 2nd.

To ensure coverage on the entire African Continent, SABC AFRICA beamed the Episode to all African territories, September 3rd, 2002. This was followed by a Studio Interview with Romero & James on “Africa Today”, September 4th.

Native Children’s Survival is a non-profit organization and the primary focus is creating awareness through the arts about environmental and human rights issues. Romero voices the awareness through his Native Rock Band, Red Thunder, which earned him a special role as a United Nations Ambassador of Youth for the Environment.

Robby performed at the Open Air Arena at Ubuntu Village, August 28 & September 2nd, 2002.
M-Net’s Children’s Television – KTV – hosted Robby August 23rd in a live studio performance and interview.

In addition to the screenings, Robby attended The Indigenous Peoples Summit  August 20th through 23rd, in Kimberly, South Africa and the United Nations World Summit, August 26th to September 4th.

The Filmmakers, in association with Aveda, Aveda Fredric’s, Horst M. Rechelbacher Foundation, Intelligent Nutrients, Eyak Preservation Council, Gwich’in Steering Committee, Native Children’s Survival & the Wilderness Society, have launched a petition signing campaign, which will be delivered throughout the Summer to the United States Congress and to the White House. For more information visit http://www.americaslastfrontier.org