American Heritage Day in Texas
AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE DAY IN TEXAS IS NOW LAW
Signed by Gov. Perry, Friday, May 10 / HB 174 Makes Friday, Sept. 27, 2013 first American Indian Heritage Day in Texas
The first official American Indian Heritage Day in Texas is Friday, September 27, 2013, thanks to legislation authored by Texas State Representative Roberto R. Alonzo of Dallas. House Bill 174, which was signed by Governor Rick Perry on Friday, May 10, 2013, creates American Indian Heritage Day in Texas, in recognition of the many historical, cultural, and social contributions our American Indian communities and leaders have made to this great state of ours.
“I am proud to recognize the American Indians who are the truly native citizens to this great country of the United States. The many historical, cultural, and social contributions our American Indian citizens have made specifically to the great state of Texas have enriched our state tremendously. Similar to the other great holidays we celebrate for Hispanic, African-American, Asian, and Jewish communities it is only fitting to recognize American Indians. After all, our success as a nation has been in large part due to the unique melting pot environment of the American people,” said Rep. Alonzo.
The latest Census data figures indicate that Texas ranks fourth among states with a large Indian population. In Texas, however, that population is still an invisible population. In fact, most citizens of Texas are not even aware of the existence of approximately 120 tribes (represented by its citizens), three federally-recognized Indian tribes, one state recognized tribe, eight federally-funded Indian Education programs in the state, one Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas and the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Texas. In short, this population truly does have a presence in the state of Texas. It does deserve this recognition.
Friday, September 27, 2013, the designated day, is devoted to education. School districts with Title VII American Indian Education Programs will be assisted with appropriate culturally relevant information.
Saturday, September 28, 2013 is the inaugural celebration, “ReBirth”. The cultural event will focus on Elders Presentation, Symphony of Drums, and Profile in History.
Bill filed by Rep. Roberto Alonzo. 11/13/2012.
HB 174 reported out of House. 3/4/2013.
HB 174 passed the House. 4/3/2013.
HB 174 reported out of Senate. 4/23/2013.
HB 174 passed the Senate.4/26/2013.
HB 174 signed by the Governor. 5/10/2013.
“RE-BIRTH 2013” means the American Indians are no longer the invisible people. It is now the time to share with the people of Texas of the many historical, cultural, and social contributions our communities and leaders have contributed to the State of Texas.
Come. Listen, Learn, and Hear.
It is time to listen. Profile in History will be an ongoing video loop of individual American Indians as they reflect on the importance of the LAW, living in Texas and blending of two or more cultures.It is time to learn. Elders Presentation will highlight their tribal history, blending of traditional and modern cultures, participation in the relocation program, and much more. A Dallas resident will be honored as the last full blood tribal member of the Wichita Tribe during this program.It is time to hear. Symphony of Drums. This is a sensorial experience of the heartbeats of drums. Why is the drum important to Indians? The emcee will share that information as well as many other important information. The Northern and Southern style of singing drum groups will share their heritage with the audience.Yes, Come! Celebrate with us in the passage of HR 174 into a LAW.
9:55am / Opening Drum Song
Bear Claws Drum
10:00am / Opening Prayer
Curtis Williams
10:02am / Welcome, Opening Remarks
Brian Larney
10:06 / Recognition of Texas State Representative
ROBERTO ALONZO, District 104
Kathy McDonald, Facilitator
American Indians tribal members will share their tribal history/culture/traditions. Some of the elders came to Dallas under the relocation program and help shaped the early Dallas Indian history. They will share stories how they coped with a newly developing urban community and a new contemporary tradition outside of their comfort zone.
Special Recognition – Bernice Whitefeather
“Last full blood female tribal member of the Wichita Nation”
Roland Poncho – Alabama-Coushatta
Velma Bush – Apache
Juanita Ahtone – Kiowa
Bernice Whitefeather – Wichita
Rodney Stapp, D.P.M. – Comanche
Rosalinda Dillon - Caddo
Eve and Curtis Williams – Ponca
Brian Larney, Emcee
GRAND PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL – PROCLAMATION
Recognitions to native and non-native individuals, organization, companies, and Texas Legislatures who were VERY HELPFUL in the passage of HB 174 into a law, thus declaring the last Friday in September as AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE DAY IN TEXAS.
Vernon H. “Cy” Ahtone, Emcee
This event is a sensorial experiment to extract the elements of the pow wow tradition but solely focus on the drums to hear the dialect of the singers and the heartbeat of the drum. The emcee will inform you to the history of drums, the beat of the drum, the meanings of songs and the difference in drums to the many and varied tribal nations.
Bear Claws of Dallas,TX
Rough Arrows of Shawnee,OK
Southern Nations of Apache,OK
Young Buffalo Horses from Shawnee, OK
Continuous showing at the Viewing Room
Voices of the community members that time cannot gap anymore to share history or leave a message to the generations via educational time capsule video recording. AIHD is able to provide an educational tool of the American Indian culture/heritage/traditions without an appointment.
The Chickasaw Nation
The Division of History and Culture’s main purpose is to preserve our heritage of history, language and culture of the Chickasaw Nation. We offer historical & cultural education classes.
The Choctaw Nation
Our mission to preserve our cultural value by providing a foundation of knowledge utilizing resource materials, cultural activities and protecting our historical sites for our future.
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie
Lone Star Park is a horse racing track located in Grand Prairie, Texas. Lone Star Park opened in 1997. The track offers separate meets for Thoroughbred racing and Quarter Horse racing.
The Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce
Make ownership of a successful business a viable option for Chickasaw citizens by providing existing Chickasaw business owners and aspiring Chickasaw entrepreneurs.
Memnosyne Foundation
Our mission is to help the diverse people of the world consciously encourage an evolution for themselves and for future generations by providing a peaceful global collaboration.
Indigenous Institute of the Americas
To promote and share the similarities and differences comprising the traditional cultures of indigenous people of the Americas and disseminating our history prior to and since 1492.
Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas
is a non-profit American Indian corporation dedicated to improving the health and socioeconomic status of American Indians living in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation
A federally-recognized government of the Potawatomi people and exercises governmental jurisdiction in an area bounded by the North Canadian River, the South Canadian River.
The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma is a federally recognized tribal nation with a government anchored by a Band system, which is comprised of 12 traditional bands and two freedman bands.
Clampitt Paper
Clampitt Paper is a family owned and started in 1941 by Max Clampitt and is now run by his youngest son Don Clampitt. Clampitt sells to creative designers and local artists.
Digisoft Technology
We’re happy to work in conjunction with your in-house IT resources, or function as a dedicated IT department for your business, whichever best fits your needs.
RedMan I Am
We are a small Native American firm that gives excellent quality personal customer service and have never missed a customers needed deadline. Distributor of custom logo merchandise.
Blanks Printing
Blanks is committed to helping our clients become more efficient and more successful. We specialize in the management of complex print programs.
Elettore
Political, non-profit and grassroots organizations constantly seek to connect to, broaden their support with, and drive consensus among, their constituents.
Castle Gap Jewelry Co.
Family owned and operated since 1973, we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and a superior quality of jewelry. Specializing in handcrafted jewelry by Native American artists
Baylor Family Medical Center
Baylor Family Medicine at Riverside is pleased to provide the families of our community with comprehensive, quality medical care in a comforting environment
Explore Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
The DART Travel Agent shows how visitors, shoppers, fun seekers and sports fans can get around by bus, train or a combination of both.
Peggy S. Larney
Larry Larney
Brian Larney
Scott Stafford
Les Ridingin
Karen Cash Onco
Coke Buchanan
Jodi Voice