USA Native American Heritage Day Established

[Warandra]

House Passes Baca Legislation to Establish Native American Heritage Day

Bill Will Designate Friday After Thanksgiving as Day of Tribute

Washington, DC – Late last night, the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto), and supported by the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) and 184 federally recognized tribes, to designate the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day. The Native American Heritage Day Bill, H.J. Res. 62, designates Friday, November 28, 2008, as a day to pay tribute to Native Americans for their many contributions to the United States.

“Native Americans have enriched American culture throughout their proud history,” said Rep. Baca. “It is critical we recognize these contributions and ensure all Americans are properly educated on the heritage and achievements of Native Americans.”

“Since my time in the California State Legislature, I have fought to ensure Native Americans receive the recognition they deserve,” continue Rep. Baca. “After introducing the legislation that established Native American Day in California, I am proud that both the House and Senate have passed my legislation to create a national day of recognition, which now awaits the President’s signature to become law. I thank my good friend James Ramos, now Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, for standing with me from the beginning on this long journey to ensure the contributions of Native Americans are recognized and appreciated by all.”

The Native American Heritage Day Bill encourages Americans of all backgrounds to observe Friday, November 28, as Native American Heritage Day, through appropriate ceremonies and activities. It also encourages public elementary and secondary schools to enhance student understanding of Native Americans by providing classroom instruction focusing on their history, achievements, and contributions. As a state Assemblyman, Rep. Baca introduced the legislation that established the fourth Friday of September as Native American Day in California – which became state law in 1998.

H.J. Res. 62 was originally passed by the House of Representatives on November 13, 2007. The bill was passed with technical adjustments by unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate on September 22, 2008. Last night, the House of Representatives unanimously voted to pass the legislation again, this time including the adjustments from the Senate.

“This bill will help to preserve the great history and legacy of Native Americans,” added Rep. Baca. “Native Americans and their ancestors have played a vital role in the formation of our nation. They have fought with valor and died in every American war dating back to the Revolutionary War. We must encourage greater awareness of the significant role they have played in America’s history. I urge the President to take quick action and sign this important legislation into law.”

The Native American Heritage Day Bill is strongly supported by NIGA and its 184 federally recognized member tribes throughout the nation. Congressman Baca has been an active member of the Native American Caucus in the House of Representatives since first coming to Congress in 1999.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ca43_baca/na_heritageuc_092708.html

 

[dimensiondancer]

It's about time!!

 

[Double_A]

It's about time!!

Yes it sure is! Good!

 

[Warandra]

Considering how the Native Americans saved the Pilgrims, it also seems appropriate to have the Day celebrated right after Thanksgiving Day, as well.

 

[Flippper]

Being he's from California, I suspect his definition of "native American" might be different than mine. Without researching his background or anything, could he mean Mexican? They claim to have been in that neck of the woods first. I'm seriously curious, I don't trust politicians, especially Californian breeds.

Native American Gaming Commission? That's not good. The Indians who own the casinos here ripped off their own people. One of my friends said since they started the casinos she's only got one percapita check of $1000, several years ago. She use to get a yearly stipend. At one remote casino on the Columbia river, my nieces aunt told me they took in over $250,000 a day, this was 8 or 9 years ago. They are supposed to be sharing this with tribal members, but they aren't. Most Indians I know are good people, but the ones who aren't, watch out.

I'm glad they have a day of recognition now, it's fitting it be right after Thanksgiving.

 

[sssarawolf]

One day that's it, well its a start but they should get their own month.

 

[ejagno]

Way overdue but I'm really glad to see it for this unique culture that has been the idol of every survivalist. I've always admired the Indians strong attachment to the land.

 

[optimistic pessimist]

Being he's from California, I suspect his definition of "native American" might be different than mine. Without researching his background or anything, could he mean Mexican? They claim to have been in that neck of the woods first. I'm seriously curious, I don't trust politicians, especially Californian breeds.

Actually, California has one of the highest number of tribes...

http://www.kstrom.net/isk/maps/ca/california.html

 

[Angel Lady]

I'm glad to hear this. My daughter will be pleased, I think.

She is part native american, from her dad's side, and she is very proud of that heritage. Her grandfather was full blood. His parents, her great grandparents, walked the trail of tears.


Angel Lady

 

[sandra]

This is such good news. My grandfather was Native American. He taught me so many things about plants while walking with him in the woods, and my grandmother gave me my understanding of herbal "potions". I remember many times reaching into the bottom pouch of his hunting jacket and pulling out the squirrels and rabbits that we would have later that day for our evening meal.

 

[pugdog]

It is great to set aside a day to honor these people.

 

[myst]

It's about time

 

[Dobbin]

Can I come and protest King Phillip's War? Maybe demand reparations?

They really messed up my forefathers, after all.

I figure tit for tat. They can protest Thanksgiving and I protest Native American Heritage Day.

I critique in satiric reflection. The heritage day thing I don't protest. And 1675 is now a distant memory. What I do protest is the need to politically "favor" one group over another. It's like the pols are throwing the group a bone. If I were of native american background, I would be INSULTED for being singled out. Just like I would be insulted should they establish a white, caucasian, northern european background heritage day.

And why can't Thanksgiving be for a day for EVERYONE. After all, the natives were the MAJOR contributor to the first celebration. Fatalities among the Pilgrims in the first winter would have been far above the 50 percent were it not for the natives.

The government should be blind to one's color, ignorant of one's background and religion, and tolerent but not necessarily answerable to one's gripe.

Joe

 

[D_el]

To all those who say "It's about time" I add a hearty AMEN. Actually it is way past time we recognized the contributions of our Native American brothers and sisters.

 

[DrexHex]

Yay! I suppose I should alert my family (I'm 1/8th Choctaw )

 

[Rex Jackson]

I agree that this is a very worthy Holiday but as everyone embraces this day with open arms we need to keep in mind that American can not afford ANY Holidays at all. In fact if I had any say I would make all holidays a "attend work" holiday instead of a "day off" holiday.

We are Trillions in debt, about to be cut off from China. We need to loose that "we just won WWII" mentality.

Please don't bash me on this. I'm just a messenger reminding people that soon there will be no social security, welfare, medicaid, medicare, Hud, heap, needy programs, help for the disabled, highway departments, schools, snow plows or salters, stores, or food.

This just shows me where Obama's thinking is, thats for sure. If I were him, I would be in the Whitehouse lobbying for our lives, not a holiday.

 

[Dex]

Now that's a new day of honor that I can really get behind. They should be getting more than just a day though. How about an American Indian Awareness month...I'd much rather use February for that instead.

 

[Dobbin]

Sorry, February is already named as "Black History Month." We'll have to divide ourselves up into 12 major race/socioeconomic groups and divide up what is left.

See my comment above.

Joe

 

[Laurane]

This will only be a Day to pay tribute.....

not a Day off work won't it?? USA could not afford another statutory holiday at this point.

 

[rafter]

I agree that this is a very worthy Holiday but as everyone embraces this day with open arms we need to keep in mind that American can not afford ANY Holidays at all. In fact if I had any say I would make all holidays a "attend work" holiday instead of a "day off" holiday.

We are Trillions in debt, about to be cut off from China. We need to loose that "we just won WWII" mentality.

Please don't bash me on this. I'm just a messenger reminding people that soon there will be no social security, welfare, medicaid, medicare, Hud, heap, needy programs, help for the disabled, highway departments, schools, snow plows or salters, stores, or food.

This just shows me where Obama's thinking is, thats for sure. If I were him, I would be in the Whitehouse lobbying for our lives, not a holiday.

A day to honor the native's of this country, shouldn't have anything to do with the all mighty $$.
IMO, that is the problem with this country and greed is the reason we are in this mess to begin with.

I am glad to honor my friends that are native!

 

[Rex Jackson]

A day to honor the native's of this country, shouldn't have anything to do with the all mighty $$.
IMO, that is the problem with this country and greed is the reason we are in this mess to begin with.

I am glad to honor my friends that are native!

I agree. Its just too bad we are so broke now that everything including banks, and other nations are about to cut us off. Its also too bad that we celebrated outselves right into a hole that not even our grandkids grandkids can get us out of. Especially seeing so many are still in denial.

This is where Obama should be focusing his attention. He should be focusing on helping his heritage by helping them stay alive. Instead it appears he is focusing on how great he can make himself. In fact I haven't heard from him, Bush or Cheney lately...as the US sinks into oblivia.

 

[annieosage]

I live my Native American heritage every day. From my Grandpa "Ey-ahn-ta" (big mouth LOL) to my littlest "Esh-tah-toho" (Blue Eyed Indian) it surrounds me.

While I respect everyone's "day" I wish we would just have a good ol' "PROUD TO BE AMERICAN DAY". My GrandDad full blood Osage- well everyone knew "what" he was but he only identified himself as American.