7th Annual Native American Heritage Celebration Set for Nov. 15

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Long before the thunder of horses hoofs and the clatter of wagons signaled the arrival of settlers. And long before Spanish explorers left their footprints beneath the rolling fields of tall grass, Native Americans raised their families on the fruits of the land and mixed their tears and blood with the soil of the place we now call Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Native American Heritage Celebration will again honor the shared history and accomplishments of all Native Americans as they speak their hopes and dreams for our state with one voice.
The celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. November 15 in the Oklahoma Capitol Rotunda. In honor of this year’s celebration, Gov. Henry has proclaimed Nov. 2004 as Native American Heritage Month.

There will be exhibition booths, traditional Native American music and food. The master of ceremonies for this year’s celebration will be former Director of Indian Education for Tulsa Public Schools Archie Mason, Osage/Cherokee. Geri Wisner-Foley, Ambassador to the United Nations representing the Muskogee Creek Nation and all Native American tribes, will deliver a keynote address.

Winners of the Native American Celebration writing contest will be announced and the Oklahoma Spirit Award will be presented to the Dent Family, Otoe-Missouri, for their gracious donation of the Lewis and Clark Friendship Document to the Oklahoma Historical Society.

The Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission, Cherokee Nation Job Corp, Oklahoma Historical Society, OU Health Science Center, Chickasaw Nation, Oklahoma Arts Council, Corporation Commission, Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Edmond Public Schools, Caddo Tribe, United Urban Indian Council Inc., American Indian Chamber of Commerce and Jhane Myers and Associates sponsored this year’s celebration.

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