(NAME-MCE) Montana Observes American Indian Heritage Day

[Veltkamp, Teresa]

(HELENA, MT) Governor Brian Schweitzer, Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau and State Director of Indian Affairs Jennifer Cole announce the celebration and observation of American Indian Heritage Day this Friday, September 25, 2009, in communities and schools across the State of Montana.

"On American Indian Heritage Day 2009 and throughout the year, we call upon all citizens in recognizing the First Montanans and the First Americans by celebrating their many contributions to our state, both past and present," Governor Brian Schweitzer said.

Montana's constitution declares the recognition of the distinct and unique cultural heritage of American Indians. State legislative records dating back to 1975 call upon a day in September to recognize the contributions of American Indians.

Since 1997, the Montana Legislature has designated through proclamations from the Governor's Office that the fourth Friday in September be recognized as American Indian Heritage Day in Montana. In 2009, Montana State Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, with assistance from students in Ms. Holly Allen-King's class from Hays-Lodgepole, were successful in getting this day codified into law with Senate Bill 196, designating the last Friday in September as American Indian Heritage Day.

In 2008, a new federal law was passed designating the Friday after Thanksgiving as the federal Native American Heritage Day, a day to pay tribute for their many contributions to the United States.

"American Indian Heritage Day presents a great opportunity not only for schools to highlight their Indian Education for All activities, but for all Montanans to celebrate the rich cultural history and contemporary issues of American Indian nations who were here long before this place was called Montana," Superintendent Juneau said. "I encourage everyone to participate in keeping the promise in our state's constitution to learn about the "distinct and unique heritage of American Indians."

On Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, communities, tribes and schools across the state will observe American Indian Heritage Day through various activities, events and celebrations. For suggested activities and links to teaching resources, visit Montana's Office of Public Instruction Indian Education website at www.opi.mt.gov/indianed<http://www.opi.mt.gov/indianed> and look under "Hot Topics."


Teresa Veltkamp
Indian Education Implementation Specialist
Montana Office of Public Instruction, Helena MT
(406)444-0726
tveltkamp at mt.gov