RezDog Holds Calendar Shoot at Hard Rock

By Chris Jenkins

HOLLYWOOD — On March 9, The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino hosted some of the most talented and beautiful women of the Native American culture as part of the 2007 RezDog American Indian Calendar shoot. The Seminole Tribe of Florida is this year’s featured Tribe.

In a competition that began with 200 young ladies nationwide, 12 of the best came to South Florida with three goals in mind: place a stronger focus and emphasis on the beauty of Indian women, showcase this year’s calendar in an interesting setting and address the growing concern among Native American women facing breast cancer.

A portion of the proceeds from calendar sales will go toward the Native American Cancer Research Corporation.

Being the first and only all-Indian swimsuit calendar of its kind produced, there are obstacles, according to RezDog owners and calendar producers, Mary and Keith DeHaas.

“Were trying to breakdown some of those stereotypical barriers still out there,” said Mary DeHaas. “We are not just buckskin wearing maidens.”

As the first American Indian family owned and operated federally-trademarked company in the U.S., making a difference is important.

“As an Indian owned and operated venture, we feel it is time for us to step up and take care of our own…”said Keith DeHaas.

The financial issues involved are another obstacle, as well. At a cost of $40,000 annually for expenses, raising the funds to develop such a project each year can be difficult. The Seminole Tribe of Florida has made a difference as one this year’s sponsors.

The final outcome is worth it in the end though, according to Mary DeHaas.

“I really enjoy the creative process, of starting out by finding, and selecting the 12 girls, it’s so exciting… There is an absolute joy in featuring Indian women in a mainstream way.”

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was selected as this year’s location for its great appeal and popularity.

“It showcases the girls in an interesting setting,” Mary DeHaas said. “We chose places which have a significant Indian quality to them.”

One of the chosen 12 who debuted in her first professional shoot was Seminole member and Hollywood native, Keyah Osceola, 19. She says she is glad to be representing her reservation and the community.

“I feel really, really lucky,” Osceola said. “It’s actually a big honor to be doing this, I am actually the first Seminole, and I’m especially proud.”

Having the support of her family and friends is a high priority from a tradition standpoint as well.

“My grandparents are big on tradition and their proud of me.”

Osceola is of the Panther clan and was discovered by Mary DeHaas at a pow-wow at the Hard Rock. Her plans are to attend Florida State University and major in architecture or clothing and design of wedding dresses.

The idea and emotions behind the calendar come from overcoming personal misfortune and tragedy in the DeHaas household. The mother of Mary DeHaas, Edna Boardman, is a cancer survivor. RezDog co-owner and husband, Keith DeHaas lost his mother, Rita Ann McLaughlin, the 1955 Miss Indian America, to cancer in 1987.

With these hardships, along with constant requests for a calendar, and the desire to help and sponsor Native American women interested in modeling and entertainment careers, the calendar was born. Each year’s edition has since then been dedicated in Rita’s honor and memory.

Beginning in May, fans and supporters can pick up their copy of the calendar or video at any Native American gift shop nationwide or at www.RezDog.com.