Paying Homage to the First Americans- NPL Celebrates National American Indian Heritage Month
Norfolk, VA (November 1, 2008) -With a long history, rich culture and hundreds of spoken languages, the wisdom of American Indian tribes has been passed down through the centuries. Join NPL in paying a powerful tribute to the spirit of American Indians and their contributions to our history during National American Indian Heritage Month.
Efforts began at the turn of the century to designate a day of recognition for the contributions of American Indians. Red Fox James, a Blackfeet Indian, rode horseback from state to state seeking endorsements from 24 state governments for a day to honor American Indians. In 1915, Rev. Sherman Coolidge, an Arapahoe and then president of the Congress of American Indian Associations, issued a proclamation declaring the second Saturday of each May as American Indian Day. The first "American Indian Day" was celebrated in May 1916 in New York. In 1990, President George W. Bush signed a proclamation designating November 1990 as National American Indian Heritage Month. Since 1994, similar proclamations have been issued every year. [U.S. Census Bureau]
Norfolk Public Library is offering a variety of special programs to recognize American Indian Heritage Month. On Monday, November 17 and Tuesday, November 18, special guests Chief Bright Sun, Swamp Rat and Sparrow Hawk of the United Cherokee Nation will present Arrows in the Wind. They will share their history through artifacts and captivate the audience with legendary storytelling at this exciting program. Arrows in the Wind will be offered at the following locations:
Monday, November 17
Lafayette Branch Library @ 2:30 PM
1610 Cromwell Drive ~ 441-2842
Barron F. Black Branch Library @ 5:00 PM
6700 E. Tanners Creek Drive ~ 441-5806
Tuesday, November 18
Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library @ 2:00 PM
111 West Ocean View Avenue ~ 441-1750
Van Wyck Branch Library @ 5:00 PM
1368 DeBree Avenue ~ 441-2844
For more information on all of the American Indian Heritage Month programs planned, pick up a flyer at any NPL location, or go to www.npl.lib.va.us. An American Indian Heritage Month bibliography is also available at NPL's website.
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