Actress Tinsel Korey leads kindergarteners into the Quileute Tribal SchoolCourtesy photo by YAZZIE
'New Moon' Star Gives Acting Lessons at Tribal School
September 15, 2009
LA PUSH, Wash.—Tinsel Korey, who portrays Emily in "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," spent a week on the Quileute Nation here, teaching acting classes at the K-12 Tribal School.
Korey also helped to raise funds for the school with an appearance on First Beach with Quileute elder Chris Morganroth.
"In true Native tradition, she is doing what our ancestors and elders have taught us to do for centuries," Quileute Chairwoman Carol Hatch said. "Tinsel is giving back and sharing her gifts and talents with our Native youth."
Quileute Tribal School principal Al Zantua was quoted by the Peninsula Daily News as saying in a prepared statement: "I think it is fantastic for her to reach out to the kids. After reaching that level of notoriety, it is inspiring and remarkable. Our kids are pretty excited."
The character Emily is actually from the Makah tribe, so Korey also traveled to Neah Bay to speak with the youth and elders of the Makah Nation. Tinsel was welcomed by the Makah with an honoring ceremony and given a flag to their nation.
Korey was scheduled to leave the Quileute Nation Tuesday to begin filming "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" in Vancouver.
"Tinsel now knows were Emily and the ‘Wolf Boys' live and has walked the shores of First Beach," said Quileute publicist Jackie Jacobs. "She can take that spiritual energy with her to the set (of ‘Eclipse').
"Tinsel is bringing awareness to the real Quileute and Makah nations," Jacobs added. "That is very honorable, generous and respectful. She is always welcome to come back anytime."
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