Marla Nauni is of Comanche & Seneca heritage, from Cache, Oklahoma. She attended the University of Oklahoma, obtaining her Bachelor's of Business Administration (BBA) in May 2000, and her Master's in Human Relations (MHR) in May 2010. Currently, she holds the title of "2011 Ms. Indian Lawton Woman." In September 2010, she completed her second album titled, “Comanche Hymns II.” Recently, "Jesus is Coming" received nominations for "Best Spiritual Song" at the 2011 Indian Summer Music Awards, which will be held at the 2011 Indian Summer Festival, September 9-11, 2011.
In 2004, she completed her first-ever solo CD which was titled, "Comanche Hymns performed by Marla Nauni", which debuted Feb. 7, 2004. It was nominated for the 2004 Indian Summer Music Awards in September 2004 in the Traditional Vocal category. Since then, she has traveled throughout the United States performing at various places around the country such as National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C., Red Earth in Oklahoma City, Turning Stone Resort Casino in New York, and Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. She has given a number of speeches to after-school programs, university classes, and even performed blessing songs at various events held across the nation. She has also been a guest on radio stations, such as KUNM in Albuquerque, New Mexico, KNON in Dallas, Texas, KRMP in Oklahoma, WPFW in Washington, D.C., and KLAW in Oklahoma.
Not only is she a recording artist, but she is also a model and actress. She has modeled at Times Square, New York City, at the 2003 Grammy’s, and at Comanche Nation Casino in Lawton, Oklahoma. As an actress, she has played various roles from extras to lead roles in the films, "American Indian Graffiti", "Contest", "Okemah's Creek", just to name a few.
She is the daughter of Norman Nauni, Sr. and the late Martha Nauni; her paternal grandparents are Rose Nauni and the late Haddon Nauni. Her maternal grandparents are the late Rev. Lester James and Almeda White Pigeon. She has two younger brothers, Norman Nauni, Jr. and Anthony Nauni.
She is determined to succeed as Oklahoma’s Native Entertainer (ONE) and invites any opportunities to present and perform. As ONE model, actress, and recording artist, Nauni’s goal is to continue to be a positive role model for Native American children. For contact information email marlia_32@hotmail.com.
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