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In November,
U.S. Honors Contributions of American Indians, Alaska Natives
http://www2.embaixada-americana.org.br/index.php?action=materia&id=8463&submenu=&itemmenu=10
Washington —
Each November, National American Indian Heritage Month pays tribute
to the First Americans: American Indians and Alaska Natives.
The month celebrates their enduring contributions to the history and
culture of the United States. |
In the United States today
There are nearly 5,000,000 American Indians and Alaska Natives;
They make up 1.6% of the population;
By 2050, the population is expected to
jump to 8,600,000 or 2% of the population;
227,000
square kilometers of land held are held in trust by the U.S. for
reservations;
Most American Indians live in metropolitan areas;.
California, Oklahoma and Arizona have the largest numbers of
American Indians;
There are 565 federally recognized Indian tribes;
The
largest are the Cherokee and Navajo nations;
Navajo is the most widely spoken Native language;
25% of Navajo speak their language at home -- the most native
speakers;
Only 50% of the 300 or so native languages still have a living
speakers;
Non-Indians have little knowledge of the active, vibrant culture of
American Indians today;
There is a need for more education on American Indian history and
culture.
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National American Indian Heritage Month
In the early 1900s, Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, persuaded the
Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the “First Americans;
In 1915, the annual Congress of the American Indian Association
called on the country to observe such a day;
In 1915, Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian,
rode horseback from state to state seeking approval for a day to honor Indians.
24 state government the petition, which James presented to the White
House;
In 1915, President Coolidge declared the second Saturday of each May as an American Indian Day;
In 1915, President Coolidge made the first formal appeal for
recognition of Indians as citizens;
in 1916, New York declared the second Saturday in May as American
Indian Day;
In 1919, Illinois enacted Native American Day.
Several states celebrate the
fourth Friday in September as Native American Day;
Several states designated Columbus Day as Native American Day;
In 1990, President George H.W. Bush
approved a proclamation making November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month;”
Since 1994, similar proclamations
are issued each year.
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