We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
This year as we celebrate American Indian Heritage Days, or Native American Week, a rare opportunity will occur. September 2022 has five Friday's resulting in two days being designated as American Indian Heritage Day. In 1997 the Montana Legislature designated the fourth Friday of September as American Indian Heritage Day. This Law states that schools are 'to conduct appropriate exercises during the school day'. Then in 2009 a bill was signed into law designating the last Friday in September as American Indian Heritage Day for the state of Montana and for all Montanans to '(1) reflect on American Indian culture and heritage; and (2) celebrate American Indians and their culture and heritage.'
The first American Indian Day took place back in 1968 when California Governor Ronald Reagan signed a resolution designating the fourth Friday in September as such. From that point the idea spread throughout the United States with many states following suit in one way or another as a day of recognition, observance or as a holiday. The day is an official State Observance in Montana and Texas and a State Holiday in Alabama and Maryland. Early on some schools in Montana, Lame Deer, Chief Dull Knife College, St. Labre among them took the observance a step further, turning the celebration into a five day event beginning on the Monday of that week and the idea spread. This week Harlem Public Schools and Aaniiih Nakoda College (ANC) will celebrate Native American Week culminating in the Observance of Native American Day on Friday, September 23, Hays/Lodge Pole Public Schools will hold their celebration September 26-30.
In Harlem Native American Week will be celebrated at both the elementary and junior/senior high school with activities planned daily throughout the week. Monday was Ribbons and Skirts Day. Tuesday students were encouraged to wear Beadwork. Wednesday was 'Rock your Mocs'. The elementary students will be excused early so that they can attend the Powwow scheduled in the afternoon at the high school. Thursday is 'Wear Braids, Scarves and Bandanas Day and the week will conclude with Wildcat Pride Day on Friday.
Aniiih Nakoda College has a full week of activities planned and encourages everyone to attend as it is open to the public. Monday began with a 'Every Child Matters Walk/Run' in honor of Residential/Boarding School Children and Survivors. A Tipi Raising Student Competition followed. Tuesday's schedule had folks wearing Ribbon Skirts/Shirts and featured a Medicinal Cream Making Activity. Sweet Grass Braiding followed as did a 'Chopped Indigenous Food' version of the popular Food Network show.
Thursday will start off with a War Hoop and Lili'ing Contest beginning at Noon and prizes will be awarded. Afternoon activities will also include Archery Shooting and Making Elderberry Elixir Demonstration at the Little River Learning Lodge, call Kim Barrows at 353-3907 to participate. The celebration will conclude Friday afternoon with a Stick Game Tournament at 3:00 pm.
Hays/Lodge Pole Public Schools will celebrate Native American Week beginning on Monday, September 26. Junior/Senior High School students, Paras and Bus Drivers will head to Snake Butte to for a Pipe Ceremony (Calling of the Buffalo). The speaker will be John Allen. Tuesday, September 27 will begin with Speaker Ms. J. Lamb, lunch will follow with local elders being invited to have lunch at an elder table/ A fun run/walk will be held in the afternoon. The day will conclude with two buses going to Mission Canyon to clean the mouth of the Powwow grounds.
Wednesday, September 28 will begin with speakers from the CDC talking about Vaping. The Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbirds will host their Cross Country meet beginning at 1:00 pm. Friday will be a day to work on floats and a Powwow/Round Dance, weather permitting. Friday will feature the Parade beginning at 11:00 am. Followed by the crowning of the King and Queen as well as the Prince and Princess at the Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbird volleyball match.
