Friday after Thanksgiving will be designated as day of tribute

WASHINGTON - The National Indian Gaming Association acknowledges the passing into law of H. J. Res. 62, which designates the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day 2008.

The Native American Heritage Day 2008 Bill, which is supported by the National Indian Gaming Association, National Congress of American Indians, (NCAI) and Indian tribes across the country, encourages the people of the United States, as well as the federal, state and local governments and interested groups and organizations to observe Native American Heritage Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities. The Resolution was introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-CA) and Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) who helped move the Resolution through the Senate.

NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. said, “This is a great moment for Indian country. Signing this bill into law officially recognizes, remembers and formally celebrates the history, achievements and certainly the major contributions to the American democracy by Native America.

“This law encourages the United States to honor Native America by celebrating Native American Heritage Day in all of your communities as a way to create stronger public awareness and understanding of Indian country, our culture, traditions, language and the strength, honor and patriotism, of our people.”

Chairman Stevens praised Congressman Baca and Senator Inouye who were instrumental in the passage of this act in the 110th Congress. He also commended the efforts of NCAI and President Joe Garcia for joining NIGA in this effort.

The Native American Heritage Day Act 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 related to:

- The historical status of Native American tribal governments as well as the present day status of Native Americans;

- Native American cultures, traditions and languages; and

- The rich Native American cultural legacy

Presidents, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush signed proclamations designating the month of November as Native American Heritage Month in previous years. Passage and signing H.J. Res. 62, establishes into law for the year 2008 an official day of remembrance and recognition of Native Americans.

NIGA Executive Director Mark Van Norman said, “Native Americans have been seeking a day of recognition since 1912. This day honors the original Native Americans, their strengths, wisdom and fight for freedom, and it recognizes the continued vitality and beauty of the Native American cultures.”

Copyright © 2008 NATIVE AMERICAN TIMES

Posted on November 16th, 2008 by hunwut
Filed under: Events, Federal Government