LOS ANGELES, Calif.-- As with previous years, the First Americans In the Arts Awards attracted media attention as well as support from Native American entertainers.

The Sixth Annual First Americans in the Arts Awards were held on Feb. 21 in Beverly Hills. Many celebrities were in attendance as well as tribal council members from around the country.

First, aprayer and an honor song were performed by the Mystic River Drum group of Connecticut. This year's awards hosts were comedian Charlie Hill and singer Joanne Shenandoah. The award bearer for the evening's festivities was Miss Indian World, Shayai Lucero, Laguna and Acoma Pueblo.

Three scholarships were presented to film students: Marilyn Heath, Maricopa, who is studying film at Los Angeles City College; Sydney L. Soliz, Wampanoag Algonquin, who has been accepted in the Master's Program at the American Film Institute and Charles Mulluk, Jr., Inupiaq, studying film at Montana State University.

The first acting awards of the evening were presented to Brent Brokeshoulder, a young actor who appeared on "Walker: Texas Ranger." Floyd Westerman who acted in a role on "Dharma and Greg," received the Outstanding Guest Performance in a Television Series award. Mr. Westerman presented his award back to Charlie Hill in recognition of Mr. Hill's contribution as a writer on the Roseanne show.

The Hman' Shawa Day School Mountain Spirit Dancers, a group of youngsters from the Fort McDowell Yavapai Tribe were well received by the audience. Menominee Tribal Chairman, Apasahnakwat, and actor, Josh Drum presented the next two awards: Irene Bedard for Outstanding Guest Performance by an Actress in a Television Drama Series category for her role in the NBC hit series, "Profiler," and to Zahn McClarnon for his guest performance in the CBS drama series, "Chicago Hope."

The Lifetime Musical Achievement Award was presented to Jesse Ed Davis (posthumous) by John Trudell. Mr. Davis, Kiowa, established himself in the '70's as a force to be reckoned with: playing with rock n' roll legends such as Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Eric Clapton and Duane Allman.

Kelly Davis, Mr. Davis' widow, accepted the award saying, "He would have really loved this. Jesse could walk in many worlds but he was most comfortable with his own people."

Dr. Betty Parent from San Francisco State University presented the Literary Achievement Award to writer N. Scott Momaday, Kiowa. Mr. Momaday is a poet, Pulitzer prize-winning novelist, a playwright, painter and professor of American English and Literature. Unfortunately he was unable to attend.

The Trustee Award was presented to Beth Sullivan, producer of the CBS series "Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman," by actor Larry Sellers who played the role of "Cloud Dancing" on the same series. Arigon Starr and Mark Abbott presented the next award for Musical Achievement to Joy Harjo and Poetic Justice.

The next two awards went to actor Harrison Lowe for his supporting role in the made-for-TV movie, "Buffalo Soldiers" and to Sheila Tousey for her supporting role in the CBS special "All The Winters That Have Been." Ms. Tousey was on location in Prague and was unable to attend.

A new category this year recognized Achievement in Stunts. This year's recipient, Juddson Linn rode in on horse-back to pick up his award. The second Trustee Award was presented to Jock Soto. Mr. Soto was recognized for his contribution in the world of ballet.

Jade Herrera and Jon Voight gave out the Best Supporting Actress in a Film Award to Sheri Foster in Oliver Stone's film, "U-Turn." In her acceptance speech she "thanked the Creator, all my relations and Oliver Stone for his encouragement and guidance."

She also asked the Indian nations present to support the arts "so we can do our own projects and if this dress wasn't so tight I'd get down and beg!" Graham Greene won for his supporting role in the film "The Education of Little Tree." Jon Voight accepted on Mr. Greene's behalf.

This year's Humanitarian Award was presented to the Sundance Institute by Valerie Red Horse. Ms. Red Horse acknowledged Robert Redford and the Institute for their support in helping to advance Native American filmmakers.

Two non-traditional acting awards went to Karina Lombard and Litefoot for their respective roles in Universal Pictures' "Kull The Conqueror." Both actors were on location and did not attend the event.

Lindsay Wagner and Brian Wescott presented the Will Sampson Award to the American Indian Community House an organization in New York City which was recognized for its support and service to the Native American performing arts community. Soni Moreno, an AICH board member and part of the a cappela group Ulali, accepted the award.

Actor in a Recurring Role category went to Frank Salsedo whose character appears in the CBS series, "Walker: Texas Ranger." The award was presented by Wes Studi and Jeri Arredondo.

Last in the impressive entertainment line-up was last year's Musical Achievement recipient, Nashville-based country music singer/songwriter Rich McReady.

Tom Harjo a Key Grip who worked on "Titanic" was recognized in Outstanding Achievement in Technical Arts.

Daytime soap actor Tyler Christopher was presented with an award for his role the ABC soap, "General Hospital." The award was presented to him by Colleen Ragan and Stephan Nichols, who plays his father on the show.

Joanne Shenandoah and Josh Estrada presented the next two awards to August Schellenburg for "Free Willy 3: The Rescue" and to Tantoo Cardinal for "The Education of Little Tree." Both actors were shooting films on location.

The Best Performance by an Actor in a TV movie went to Michael GreyEyes for the CBS movie "Stolen Women."

The final award of the evening was the inductee into the Hall of Honor. This year's recipient was Jay Silverheels (posthumous). Bob Hicks and Lois Red Elk described Mr. Silverheels as "instrumental in bringing an Indian community together."

Arriving in Hollywood in 1938, Mr. Silverheels would go on to appear in such American film classic, "Key Largo," with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, "Broken Arrow" with Jimmy Stewart, "Cat Ballou."

Mr. Silverheels organized the Native American actor's workshop in the 1960's, a place where actors could learn their craft and find a support system.

The role of Tonto, brought him recognition as a "pop culture icon" and he became the first Native American performer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Accepting the award was Mr. Silverheels widow, Mary and two of their children.