PORTLAND, Ore. — For the first time, federal legislation has set aside the day after Thanksgiving — for this year only — to honor the contributions American Indians have made to the United States.
Frank Suniga, a descendent of Mescalero Apache Indians who lives in Oregon, said he and others began pushing in 2001 for a national day that recognizes tribal heritage.
Suniga, 79, proposed his idea to a cultural committee that is part of the Portland- based Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians.
Congress passed legislation this year designating the day as Native American Heritage Day. The measure notes that more American Indians than any other group, per capita, serve in the U.S. military. It also cites tribes’ artistic, musical and agricultural contributions.
Unfortunately, tribes have had virtually no time to plan events to commemorate Native American Heritage Day because the legislation creating it was signed only last month, noted Cleora Hill- Scott, executive director of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians.
“What’s difficult is this day is going to come and go without much being done,” she said.
