Native American Heritage Day in Maryland

In 1990, former President George H.W. Bush approved a Joint Resolution of Congress designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month, a designation that has since been made each year since 1994.

In 2009, the President signed a joint resolution enacting the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009. It declared that the Friday immediately succeeding Thanksgiving Day would be an appropriate day to designate as Native American Heritage Day. Among other findings, the resolution stated that many of the nation’s principles of free speech and separation of government reflected the long-standing practices of tribal governments.

The resolution recognized the contributions Native Americans have made as artists, athletes, and scholars and emphasized the importance of the relationship between the United States and Native American governments.

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 26, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued the following statement in recognition of the State holiday, American Indian Heritage Day:

“In 2008, I had the distinct honor of declaring Maryland’s first Native American Heritage Day. It is a heritage and legacy that dates back 10,000 years.

“As we continue to honor this legacy, we have put a priority on ‘repatriation.’ Our Department of Housing and Community Development is working with the Maryland Historical Trust and the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs to provide proper and respectful burial for Native American remains and artifacts.

“Today, Maryland’s Native American community remains strong – and we deeply appreciate the service of 17 Marylanders of Native American heritage who have chosen to step forward to accept appointments to state boards and commissions.

“We hope to continue working with you and your neighbors to build a better future for our State, recognizing that we borrow our world from our children, and that, ‘the way we treat the earth is a reflection of how we treat one another.’

Aho and thank you again.” (Statement from Governor Martin O’Malley on Recognition of American Indian Heritage Day)

Source: maryland.gov

In 2018 Native American Heritage Day in Maryland in USA falls on November 23.