America- the land of the free and the home of the brave! It’s a vast, diverse land with so many cultures dating back thousands of years to the land’s original inhabitants- the native Americans. Their contributions to the development of this country are recognized during November formally as the Native American Heritage Month. President George H. W. Bush declared the month in 1990 in a bill that read in part that the “the President has authorized and requested to call upon 126 l
This was a significant step in honoring America’s tribal people and showed a renewed commitment towards establishing this celebration which had begun some 14 years ago when a Cherokee/Osage Indian named Jerry C. Elliott-High Eagle founded the Native American Awareness week legislation. This was the first historical week of recognition for the Native Americans. In 1986, President Reagan proclaimed November 23-30, 1986, as the “American Indian Week.” The Native American Heritage Month offers us a unique opportunity to celebrate the rich and diverse culture of the Native Americans. It gives us a chance to look into their traditions and histories to understand their way of living and acknowledge the significant contributions they have made. I love cultural months as they give us an opportune time to educate ourselves about the tribes and THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2021
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Rethinking Native American Heritage Month Property Rights
Federal, State, and Local Governments, groups, and organizations and the people of the United States to observe such month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”
