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Show CIM ES JN[overabeL3J_2005_ A group performs in a drum circle at a past Hill powwow. PHOTO AND STORIES BY BETH YOUNGJ ___ Hilltop Times stall November is National American Indian/ Alaska Native Heritage Month, and Hill will celebrate this cultures observance with several events. This year's theme is "Honoring Heritage ... Strengthening Our Nation's Spirit." "American Indians and Alaska Natives have a long history in this land and have contributed immensely to the ways of our Nation," said Master Sgt. Michael Gagnon, Special Observance Program manager. "During this time we celebrate our commitment to preserve and to learn more about the rich heritage, traditions, and cultures of American Indians and Alaska Natives." A long Hill tradition is the Powwow that features Native American symbolism and culture through dance and music. Also available at the event will be a Special Emphasis Program booth, face painting, headdresses, food, arts and crafts, and a silent auction. This year the Powwow will be held Nov. 19 in Bldg. 430 (the old Base Exchange facility) with performances at 1 and 4:30 p.m. "The event is a demonstration Powwow lead by a master of ceremonies, spiritual leader, and arena director, with entertainment including drums, flute, and several Tribal Nation dancers," Sergeant Gagnon said. Dennis Gough, Hill's American Indian/ Alaska Native Special Program Manager, encourages everyone to take this rare chance to see a live powwow. Different from past years, this powwow has been planned for a Saturday so that retirees and families may also attend. "I feel that there are a not lot of people at Hill who have been to a powwow before. It's dedicated to highlighting public awareness regarding the contributions and heritage of American Indians and Alaskan natives," Mr. Gough said. Continuing to honor this culture's rich history, Hill regularly consults with 18 tribes, who have previous territorial ties to Hill AFB land, on a government to government basis regarding mission activities on Hill AFB property. Leaders of these tribes have also been invited to attend the powwow. The powwow will also include a special feature honoring military members and veterans. Within the military community, Alaska Natives and American Indians contribute their talents in every aspect. In 1990, prior to Operation Desert Storm, some 24,000 American Indian men and women were in the military. Approximately 3,000 served in the Persian Gulf, with three among those killed in action. One out of every four American Indian males is a military veteran and 45 to 47 percent of tribal leaders today are military veterans. "We are also grateful to the Navajo CodetaJkers for their service during World War II," stated U.S. President George W. Bush in the 2002 National American Indian Heritage Month proclamation. "(They) relayed secret messages that helped our Nation and the allies secure victory. Congress recognized these heroes by authorizing the President to award them Congressional Gold Medals." Today, there are more than 550 federally recognized tribes in the United States, including more than 220 village groups in Alaska, and some 250 tribal languages are still spoken. Other Hill activities highlighting American Indian and Alaska Native culture throughout the month of November include A 'fancy dancer' performs a butterfly dance to a fast drumbeat at a powwow held at Hill. uring this time we celebrate our commitment to preserve and to learn more about the rich heritage, traditions, and cultures of American Indians and Alaska Natives" — Master Sgt. Michael Gagnon In addition to the powwow, there wilt be various events taking place on base throughout the month of November In honor of American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month: • American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month posters and books on display at the Cerrity Library until Monday • Nov. 10 there will be archeologlcal artifacts from Utah Test and Training Range and an American Indian dance demonstration at Hill Field Elementary ^ ., „ '$F*$$$s*i?:' • Nov. 14-17 American Indian/Alaska Native brown bag lunch seminars on various topics. Times and place to be announced . . • Nov. 17 there will be archeologlcal artifacts from Utah test and Training Range and a presentation from the Military Equal Opportunity Office at 4:30 p.m. at the Youth Center ; .y,,.. ,j..v^W-::^/-,.V; «"::• &,:'JTM-V^ • Nov. 18 American Indian Flute performance by Nino Revos at the AAFES Food Court • Nov. 23 American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage display at the Hill dining facility displays, archeological artifacts, seminars and performances. Tickets for the powwow are $3 for individual tickets or $5 for a family package, with all proceeds supporting the American Indian /Alaska Native Association. Doors open at noon the day of the event. To purchase tickets contact Dennis Gough at 777-1123, Virginia Paulson at 586-7874, Curtis Baker at 777-0282 and 1st Lt. Brian Curry at 777-6548. A 'grassdancer' performs legendary movements portraying a hunting party forced to elude an enemy tribe by dancing, or blending in with the tall grass on a wide-open plain, at a past Hill powwow. |