Grab and Keel

November is Native American Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Tribal Nations: America’s Great Partners.”

Two points of celebration are: the honoring of Native American Veterans, who have maintained the highest active service as a group in the nation, and the honoring of Native American artists poets and writers. A third point of celebration is to honor educators.

I’ve attempted to introduce you to some terrific women in honor of the month. You’ll know their special status by the turkey feather. Do a search for “feather” in the box above right to find them.

In addition, today, November 28, 2008, is the First National Native American Heritage Day.  

Congress enacted H. J. Res. 62: Native American Heritage Day Act of 2008

10/8/2008–Public Law.

[(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on July 31, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Native American Heritage Day Act of 2008 – Designates Friday, November 28, 2008, as Native American Heritage Day.

Encourages the people of the United States, as well as federal, state, and local governments and interested groups and organizations, to observe such Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities, including activities relating to: (1) the historical status of Native American tribal governments as well as the present day status of Native Americans; (2) Native American cultures, traditions, and languages; and (3) the rich Native American cultural legacy….]

Since, it’s our first and the law was only enacted Oct. 8th, I suspect our commemoration of it will evolve. That’s IF lobbying is successful to make it permanent. And it should be.

 In the mean time, not many of the Tribes had time to prepare.

The Associated Press reported:

[…Cleora Hill-Scott, executive director of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, agrees. But she also said that because the Native American Heritage Day law was passed last month, few – if any – tribes in the region have planned events to commemorate the day….]

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/all_headlines/103820.php

If you know of a tribe that is doing something in honor of this day let  us know. We’ll start a list.

I Own My Vote, PUMA, The Denver Group, Just Say No Deal