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The following was taken from a memo from Frances Hill to the faculty & staff of the Native American Magnet School, dated 9/19/02:
In recognition of the unique status and contributions of the American Indian peoples to our Nation, we want to share with you some of the historical background of the celebration of Native American Day here at the Native American Magnet School.
Taken from the proclamation by Gov. Carey dated 9/18/76 - State of New York:
"The American Indian has made an inestimable contribution to our Nation's political, social and cultural heritage. The Iroquois (Haudenosaunee), in particular, provided our Nation with a true model of participatory government."
In 1916, the New York State legislature designated the fourth Friday in September as Native American Day.
Across the United States, many tribal communities celebrate this day as a holiday much the same as Rosh Hashanah, Columbus Day and Martin Luther King's birthday are patronized in their respective communities. This holiday was first promoted in 1914 by Red Fox James, of the Blackfoot Nation. He went from state capital to state capital prevailing upon legislators to create a holiday for the country's first Americans. The American Indian's contribution to American government and lifestyles, to the American people as a whole are often forgotten or overshadowed by misconception and stereotype. This day gives recognition to Native Americans to say that our offerings to the rest of the world are well noted and appreciated. To remember that our great grandfathers were not just savages living in the woods and that our heritage is a proud one. The concepts of equality and freedom existed here thousands of years before Columbus or the Pilgrims set sail for a new land. However, they did know what they were looking for and here is where they found it.
The Native American Resource Program has designated the last Friday in September as our day of celebration of the contributions of our culture to American society. In keeping with this thought, we are asking all teachers to prepare some type of activity to share with their class.
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