November is Native American Heritage Month, as proclaimed each year by the President of the United States.
Native Americans are routinely celebrated for their participation in the settler’s first Thanksgiving, however, there are countless other contributions that Native people have made to the development of this country. There's chocolate, vanilla, and even many of the ideals put forth in the Constitution. But that’s just the beginning! Did you know that Native American's knowledge of plants and herbs contributed to the development of more than 20% of medicines in use today? Its time to recognize what an impact American Indians had on the development of this nation, and what better time to do that than Native American Heritage Month!
In some schools, efforts are made to explore history in a broader focus, but almost always focuses on the past and barely recognizes the presence of Native Americans today. Schools should now teach about all of the accomplishments, the contributions, the heroes past and present, and include the history of this country as it was influenced by Native peoples.
The importance of providing Native role models and of celebrating Native history and culture cannot be undermined. Bringing Native American speakers in the classroom is a great way to eliminate stereotypes and introduce the culture and even history from another perspective, and a chance to learn about all of the contributions Native people have made to this country.
For more info: www.changingwinds.org and click on the Education button on the horizontal banner for tons of great info as well as a full section on Native American Heritage Month!
Kalliopeia Foundation Grants American Indian College Fund $40,000 for Scholarships
The Kalliopeia Foundation has announced it is granting the American Indian College Fund $40,000 for scholarships. A supporter of the Fund since 2004, the foundation has focused on providing scholarships for “tribal college students pursuing a teaching degree with the intent to serve as American Indian language instructors.”
Elders of all races were welcomed and honored Saturday at the 28th annual Northwest Intertribal Gathering and Elders Dinner in Eureka.
About 5,000 people came to the event last year and it looked as if this year's event would match that total at the Redwood Acres Fairgrounds. The Northern California Indian Development Council organized the event, said Operations Director Andre Cramblit of NCIDC. Many of the meals were free of charge for the community elders -- 700 meals were given away last year out of 1,500 served.
The event is held this time of year to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, to honor local veterans and to have a salmon and turkey dinner in the spirit of Thanksgiving, Cramblit said.
”It's an opportunity to show respect and honor for our elders,” Cramblit said.
Elders 55 and older were also given a token of gratitude for coming to the event and one of the newer items the NCIDC has been handing out are emergency kits to help residents during fires or power outages, he said.
Older family members are traditionally greatly respected in American Indian cultures and honoring them is important, Cramblit said. Elders in these cultures are typically not sent to care facilities but are the “culture bearers” that live with the family to help raise children and pass on the traditions to the next generation.
”They help connect us to our past,” he said.
As the honored elders entered the dining hall, they were given different colored ribbons depending on their age.
Several intertribal dances were demonstrated throughout the day, including a hoop dancer, a Tolowa honoring dance and a brush dance. The local tribes of Hupa, Yurok, Karuk and Tolowa were represented at the event, as were the Aztec and Miwok tribes.
The dances not only help celebrate each culture but also educate others in the community, Cramblit said.
”It gives us a chance to share our culture with the broader society,” he said.
Fortuna resident Lana Kemp came to the event with her friend Eileen Carter of Rio Dell for just that reason, each wearing a ribbon of honor. They came to watch the American Indian dances and take part in the “wonderful” salmon dinner, Carter said.
A big draw for Kemp was the cultural aspect of the event.
”I think it's cool the older people are teaching the young people the dances and the language and keeping it alive,” Kemp said.
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors commended the NCIDC Tuesday for hosting the event and “for sharing the Native communities' long tradition of respect for the gift of Elders,” according to the board's resolution.
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News Alert White House Tribal Nations Conference Videos |
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| You Tube version. Official White House Video.Tribal Nations Conference: Public Safety and Housing Panel Official White House Video.Tribal Nations Conference: Education, Health Care and Labor Panel Official White House Video.Tribal Nations Conference: Economic Development, Natural Resources, Energy, Environment and Agriculture Panel Official White House Video.Closing Remarks You Tube version. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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