September 28 is an official holiday in the state of California – Native American Day. Established in 1998, it is celebrated in our schools and government offices, but mostly ignored everywhere else. Only a few states (South Dakota, Tennessee) have a similar holiday, and there is no Federal recognition.
That’s really sad – we should have a nationally recognized day to celebrate Native Americans.
If you live in California there are some festivities to enjoy. San Diego is hosting a series of events, here is one:
Running Grunion storytelling
Abel Silvas will combine comedy, storytelling and mime, offering an interpretation of Native American history and culture from past to present.
To experience the distinctive cultures of California Indian people firsthand, we invite you to attend a free public celebration, featuring traditional Native American bird songs, music, art, and food.
Finally, in Sacramento Valerie Taliman will receive the Native American Women in Leadership Award:
An award-winning journalist, Taliman received the Richard LaCourse Award from the Native American Journalists Association last year for her groundbreaking investigative series on missing and murdered First Nations women. She continues to highlight violence against women and the racism inherent in violence against Native families. in her articles for ICTMN.
