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November is American Indian Heritage Month
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The Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Arizona
On October 30, 2009, a Presidential proclamation was issued to designate November as American Indian Heritage Month.
President Barack Obama wrote in the proclamation:
"This month, we celebrate the ancestry and time-honored traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives in North America. They have guided our land stewardship policies, added immeasurably to our cultural heritage, and demonstrated courage in the face of adversity. From the American Revolution to combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, they have fought valiantly in defense of our Nation as dedicated servicemen and women. Their native languages have also played a pivotal role on the battlefield. During World Wars I and II, Native American code talkers developed unbreakable codes to communicate military messages that saved countless lives. Native Americans have distinguished themselves as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars. Our debt to our First Americans is immense, as is our responsibility to ensure their fair, equal treatment and honor the commitments we made to their forebears."
With all that being recognized, why is very little mention given to this time to honor this country's native people?
Since President George Bush issued the first American Indian Heritage Month proclamation in 1990, it has yet to receive the publicity of African American History Month in February, or even Hispanic Heritage Month in October.
None of the public school systems in Northern Virginia have planned any special activities for the month. Even though the U.S. Census Bureau records American Indians and Alaskan Natives as a little under 2% of the total population, most people today can trace their genealogy back to a tribe.
Whether your ancestry is tribal, or you are an American that emigrated from another country, having knowledge of other cultures is always a good thing. Fortunately, there are some events going on in the D.C. area for the family to enjoy.
The Smithsonian is having daily activities at the National Museum of the American Indian. On November 14, the Patuxent River 4-H Club in Upper Marlboro, MD is having its First Annual American Indian Festival. There will be fun activities such as storytelling, crafts, dancing and more at both locations.
Plan some time to take your family to one of these events and continue to teach the next generation about the elders of the Americas.
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