Authentic Native American Indian arts and crafts, representing several regions of the country, are currently exhibited in the display cabinet at the Youth Services information desk. There are examples of hand-woven blankets, bead work, sculptures and musical instruments. The exhibit honors National American Indian Heritage Month which occurs annually during the month of November.The theme of this year's heritage month is: "Pride in Our Heritage. Honor to Our Ancestors."
According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior,
"What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose. . . . In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 "National American Indian Heritage Month." Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including "Native American Heritage Month" and "National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month") have been issued each year since 1994."Our Youth Services display offers descriptions about each of the exhibit items. Our librarians can find you books and information about Native American cultures, civilizations, arts and crafts.
posted by jtb
