ANHM
Today
Since 2001, volunteers in Alaska have planned annual celebrations
and activities to commemorate the month of November as Alaska
Native and American Indian Heritage Month. Community Activist
Irene Rowan, Tlingit originally from Haines, Alaska, helped
create the original committee of volunteers because she saw
a real need in the community to share Alaska Native traditions.
The committee members are as diverse and varied as the activities
that they are planning, but they come together to assist one
another in developing activities and programs that can be
shared throughout the month of November to recognize Alaska
Native and American Indian contributions to the development
of the history of Alaska and the United States.
In addition to the scheduled events, the committee has annually
coordinated the “Artists and Speakers in the Community”
program that recruits Alaska Native artists and professionals
to demonstrate their art or to speak in the schools during
the month of November.
Committees |
Our History
In 1914, Red Fox James, a Blackfeet Indian, rode his horse
across the country to ask the state governments for an official
celebration to honor American Indian/Alaska Native people.
Today, it’s a month long celebration, now in its second
year in Alaska. Last year’s events included: Native
tradition bearers and artists in the classroom, a Bladder
Festival, a "Share the Rhythm" Drumming Circle,
"Voices of the North" featuring Pamyua and the Anchorage
Civic Orchestra, King Island Inupiaq Animal Spirit Release
Ceremony, an Intertribal Powwow, storytelling at local libraries
with Jack Dalton, and more.
In 1990, President George Bush declared the first National
American Indian Heritage Month on August 3. The purpose of
National American Indian Heritage Month is to honor and recognize
the original peoples of this land. Similar proclamations have
been made since 1994. "During National American Indian
Heritage Month, I call on all Americans to learn more about
the history and heritage of the Native peoples of this great
land. Such actions reaffirm our appreciation and respect for
their traditions and way of life and can help to preserve
an important part of our culture for generations yet to come,”
said President Bush. |
Organization
Recently we incorporated and are out on our own.
Current Board:
Brandy Niclai, President
Michael Fredricks, Vice President
Doreen Brown, Treasurer
Holly Nordlum, Secretary
Allan Williamson, at Large
Sam Fortier, Corporate Council
July 07Board Minutes |
