By Michael Kimball
Staff Writer
Nov. 1, 2007


Today marks the first day of Oklahoma American Indian Heritage month, a celebration that honors the past, present and future of the state's American Indians.

Oklahoma's recognition of the month coincides with National American Indian Heritage Month, which was celebrated for the first time in November 1990 thanks to a proclamation signed by former President Bush. After a short hiatus, it has been celebrated each November since 1994.

The month comes at a special time this year, as people across Oklahoma celebrate Centennial Day on Nov. 16.

Shoshana Wasserman, director of marketing and public relations for the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum, said the centennial is a complicated issue for many American Indians.

She said events planned for this month do not celebrate or protest the centennial or the Land Run but merely acknowledge it.

"How each tribe or person chooses to mark the centennial is up to them,” Wasserman said. "It produces a wide range of thoughts and emotions.”

Events will take place nearly every day in November at sites across the state.


©2007 Produced by NewsOK.com

 http://newsok.com/article/3161261/1193896365

[In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is distributed without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.]