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OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- For the past five years hundreds have gathered in the State Capitol rotunda to celebrate our state’s Native American heritage and their contributions to our collective history. Now in it’s sixth year, the Native American Heritage Celebration has become a new Oklahoma tradition and this year promises to be better than ever.
The celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Oklahoma Capitol Rotunda. In honor of this year’s celebration, Gov. Henry has proclaimed Nov. 2003 as Native American Heritage Month.
There will be exhibition booths, traditional Native American music and food. The master of ceremonies for this year’s event will be former Director of Indian Education for Tulsa Public Schools Archie Mason, Osage/Cherokee. Gov. Brad Henry will deliver an address and Miss Indian Oklahoma 2004 will read the Governor’s proclamation.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Breaking Barriers,” focuses on how Native Americans have broken stereotypes and worked to overcome past prejudices to achieve great accomplishments that have had a positive effect on all Oklahomans.
The American Indian Education & Employment Center, Caddo Nation, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Edmond Public Schools, Red Earth Inc., Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Employment Securities Commission, Indian Affairs Commission, Historical Society, Arts Council and Health Department sponsored this year’s celebration.
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