American Indian heritage honored

PORTLAND, Ore. — It may be a small step, but a day meant to honor American Indians’ contributions acknowledges a history and culture that many say is often overlooked.

For the first time, federal legislation has set aside the day after Thanksgiving — for this year only — to honor American Indians in the United States. Few celebrations are planned this year, but backers say they hope to make the commemoration annual.

Frank Suniga of Salem, a descendent of Mescalero Apache Indians, said he and others began pushing in 2001 for a national day that recognizes his and other tribes’ heritage.

“I thought, ‘Why aren’t we on the calendar — us Indians?’ ” Suniga said.

Suniga, 79, proposed his idea to a cultural committee that is part of the Portland-based Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians. The organization took on the cause of a commemorative day, as did the National Congress of American Indians in Washington, D.C., and other groups.

Congress passed legislation this year designating the day as Native American Heritage Day, and President George W. Bush signed it last month.

The measure notes that more Americans Indians than any other group, per capita, serve in the U.S. military. It also cites tribes’ artistic, musical and agricultural contributions.

“The Indians kept the Pilgrims alive with turkeys and wild game,” Suniga said. “That’s the reason it was attached to the Thanksgiving weekend.”

After the Thanksgiving weekend, Suniga said, he and other advocates plan to lobby to place the Native American Heritage Day on the nation’s calendar annually.