Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on September 27, 2013

Peggy Larneys Facebook posting almost two years ago was the spark.

She wrote about Columbus Day and the relative lack of such recognition for American Indians.

Her words aroused support from the Southwest Jewish Congress. The idea of officially acknowledging American Indians in Texas took root. She and her husband, Larry Larney, created a committee to draft legislation for state Rep. Roberto Alonzo, D-Dallas.

And on May 10, House Bill 174 was signed into law, establishing the last Friday in September as American Indian Heritage Day.

Its a huge step. Its something theyve never had, said Susan Myers, administrative manager for the Dallas-based Jewish Congress, whose leaders readily offered support.

It struck a chord. They were persecuted, exiled from their homeland, said Gil Elan, the groups president. We can identify with that over the last 2,000 years. It was a no-brainer.

The legislative accomplishment and the states Indian residents will be celebrated from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in Grand Prairie at Lone Star Park, which is owned by the Chickasaw Nation.

The free event will focus on cultural, social and historic contributions of American Indians in Texas.

Ponca, Kiowa, Apache, Wichita, Comanche and Caddo elders will share tribal stories and histories.

Others will talk about the blending of cultures and a national program that relocated thousands of Native Americans to North Texas. Drums will deliver sounds of tradition.

See the rest here:
Grand Prairie event to celebrate Texas’American Indian heritage

Category: Jewish American Heritage Month
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