Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Deana Jackson
(202) 579‐5427
djackson@indiangaming.org

Sagoli Swakweku Greetings
from
Washington, D.C.!

Today, America is
officially celebrating Native American
Heritage Day 2009. From Indian Country,
we thank President Obama, the Senate
and the House for establishing this
important national commemorative day.
People from all walks of life, native and
nonnative
alike, are beginning to
recognize Native American Heritage Day
in many different ways. Schools have
planned special curricula for children and
traditional gatherings are being held
throughout the country. Local and national
museums, like the Smithsonian’s National
Museum of American Indians, are hosting special events, exhibits and films. These efforts are
designed to emphasize the cultural and historical contributions of Native Americans to the
United States. More importantly, Native American Heritage Day as a national holiday is an
opportunity to educate the public about the true history and the rich culture, traditions and
heritage of the First Americans.
As chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association, and a proud citizen of the Oneida
Nation of Wisconsin, I greatly appreciate the efforts made today to better educate the general
public on the heritage of tribes and their communities. More importantly, I am profoundly grateful
for the generations of dedicated tribal leaders who fought to maintain, strengthen and, in some
cases, rebuild the way of life that was constantly threatened throughout the socalled
assimilation process. These brave men and women leaders, representing all of our sovereign
governments, along with the perseverance of Indian people throughout their communities, are
responsible for keeping our heritage alive and passing it down to each successive generation
despite the tremendous challenges and obstacles put before them.

Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Deana Jackson
(202) 579‐5427
djackson@indiangaming.org

Now that the day is here and being
celebrated, what are we observing? We
are observing the fact that upon the arrival
of the European visitors, Native Americans
were already harvesting the crops that
today comprise twothirds
of the crops
under cultivation worldwide as they
greeted the Europeans with good faith,
extending aid, peaceable accord and good
will that set the table for the Thanksgiving
holiday we celebrate every year.
Native Americans have made many
contributions to our Nation and the World.
The concept of zero in mathematics came
from South American Indians. The
democratic society we enjoy today was fashioned from the government of the Five Civilized
Tribes and the Iroquois Confederacy, just two strong examples of democratic governments
among the Native nations in America. Most Americans do not realize that the United States
was created in the Native American spirit of independence, strength, adaptability and resilience.
Family values remain a strong asset to Native American people; they are at the core of our
determination to survive. Native Americans wear their tribal affiliation like a badge, a symbol of
courage, strength and survival. We continue to practice our own traditions, participate in the
ceremonies of our ancestors and speak our languages. We go to community churches, serve in
state governments and respect our nonIndian
neighbors all
indicia of good citizens. In this
respect, it is clear that we are bicultural
and maintain dual citizenships, which we regard as
consistent with our treaties and the U.S. Constitution. The contributions of Native Americans to
the American way of life are numerous, but the Native American people never sought praise,
only respect as this nation’s first sovereigns.
Native Americans have always answered the call of duty in the timehonored
tradition of
protecting this great country. In all of the combat zones across the globe, throughout history,
and in every conflict long before they were citizens of the United States, our Native American
warriors were fighting at the frontlines, in record numbers, fighting for the sacred ideal of
protecting family, home and nation. Even today, these strong warriors of yesteryear continue to
be proud veterans and are strong examples of their service at home through community service,
education and dedication.
I encourage all to embrace this opportunity to promote the accurate story of the history of Native
America and move this great nation away from the stereotypes and misinformation that have
long misrepresented the story of a very proud, honorable and patriotic people.
Native Americans today carry the legacy of our ancestors and are taking the next step of
teaching the generations of tomorrow about our survival, dedication and our many contributions.
It is a credit to our previous generations that we have this opportunity. They sacrificed
immensely to give hope for the dream of a better tomorrow. They envisioned selfdetermination
and prosperity of life. We are the realization of that vision, and we must share the success and
The Native Alaskan Dance Group joins the Native American Heritage Day
celebration at the NMAI in Washington, D.C.
3
survival of the Native Americans with the rest of the world. We will continue in this generation
and future generations to succeed and flourish.
For Native American Heritage Day 2009,
reflect about Native Americans and what
they mean to America. We have always
been civilized and educated. We operate
our own tribal governments and exercise
our sovereignty. We believe in the concept
of community and caring for tribal
members. We are Americans who enjoy all
the same liberties as other citizens, we
continue to extend good will to neighbors
with cooperation and honor, but we are
also warriors who know the importance of
protecting and providing for our
communities.
Recognition of Native American Heritage
Day is powerful because it is an enduring
symbol of this country’s appreciation and
respect for America’s First Nations.
In the spirit of our great Native American Warriors,
Ernest L. Stevens, Jr. Chairman
National Indian Gaming Association

Photo caption:
Chairman Stevens presents the Nike N7 shoe to Phoenix Suns forward Amar’e
Stoudemire as part of the pre‐game Native American Heritage Day activities of the
Phoenix Suns game against the Memphis Grizzlies.