First American Indian Heritage Day in Texas Planned

The Bullock Texas History Museum and Great Promise for American Indians announce a celebration of the first annual Texas American Indian Heritage Day on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013.

There will be public performances during the day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and an evening performance from 5:30 to 7 p.m. featuring native flute music and a live presentation of American Indian drumming and dancing by the Eagle Point Singers. All events will take place at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 North Congress Ave., in downtown Austin.

Members of the 2013 Texas State Legislature passed H.B. No. 174, creating this new day of celebration to honor the history and heritage of American Indians in Texas and to recognize their many contributions to Texas culture. The last Friday in September will be set aside as American Indian Heritage Day in Texas to recognize the historic, cultural and social contributions of American Indian communities to the state.

The Legislature encourages American Indian Heritage Day to be observed through ceremonies, activities, and programs in public schools and other places to honor Native Americans in Texas and to celebrate the rich traditional and contemporary American Indian culture.

The public is invited to enjoy live performances in the morning and afternoon and to attend a recognition ceremony in the museum rotunda in the evening.

The event is co-sponsored by the Native American and Indigenous Studies program at the University of Texas and the Native American Parent Committee.

For more information, visit www.TheStoryofTexas.com; contact Great Promise for American Indians at (512) 371-0628; or call the Bullock Texas State History Museum at (512) 436-4649.