(NMB) Back in 1997, the Montana legislature passed into law MCA 20-1-306, designating the fourth Friday in September as American Indian Heritage Day. That day was recognized yesterday across Montana. under the law schools conduct appropriate exercises during the day. Superintendent of Public Instruction for Montana Susie Hedalen told New Media Broadcasters why American Indian Heritage Day is important.
“We have great history with our tribes that we want to make sure all students in Montana have a thorough understanding of that and that’s why Indian education for all is in our Constitution in Montana. We want to honor the history and the culture of our great nations, our sovereign tribal nations in Montana and make sure that all students have a clear understanding about their individual cultures.”
Activities that celebrate American Indian Heritage Day can create sustained interest in learning about the distinct and unique heritage of American Indians, setting the tone and creating connections for a year of integrating Indian Education for all.
