News Releases for September 2003
September 26, 2003
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven Proclaims October 10 First Nations Day
State To Celebrate At United Tribes Technical College, State Capitol
Proclamation: First Nations Day and Native American Month 
(150 kb pdf)
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today proclaimed Friday October 10, 2003, First Nations Day, and the month of November Native American Month in North Dakota. A formal ceremony will be held on Friday, October 10, 2003, at 11:00 a.m to honor the date at locations in Bismarck.
“Our native peoples have contributed so much to the history and culture of both North Dakota and America,” Hoeven said. “This legislation and proclamation declare now and for future generations that we value and respect the heritage of our Native American citizens.”
The celebration is the result of Hoeven’s signing of Senate Bill 2410, which recognizes the indigenous peoples of the State of North Dakota and their contributions to the state and the United States. The bill authorizes the Governor to issue a proclamation each year designating the Friday before the second Monday in October as First Nations Day.
Tribal leaders from across North Dakota view the legislation and event as an historic occasion that recognizes the long-standing working relationship the State of North Dakota shares with the Tribal Nations. In addition, it honors the legacy that the indigenous peoples played in shaping the history and culture of the state and nation.
Indian Affairs Commission member, Mr. Phil Baird, President and co-founder of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame and Academic Dean at United Tribes Technical College, sees the event as an important symbol for looking to the future. The celebration represents a strengthening of the relationship between the State of North Dakota and Tribal Nations, for the future of all of North Dakota and its citizens.
The event will begin with an historic ride from United Tribes Technical College to the Capitol followed by a grand entry of each Tribal Nation bearing its flag and placing it alongside the United States flag and the flag of the State of North Dakota.
Highlights of the event include remarks by Hoeven and legislative leaders, as well as sponsors of the historic legislation. Tribal leaders will speak of their history on the land, and their contributions to North Dakota.
Tribal dancers will share elements of their culture through dance, followed by the formal signing of the Governor’s Proclamation. Tipis will be erected on the Capitol Grounds, symbolic of each tribe. Tribal historians will be available in the Great Hall to share in each tribal nation’s history and contemporary culture.
An educational packet will be posted on the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission website that will be useful for classroom teachers. The packet will contain a brief historical overview of each tribe, and curricular activities aligned to state teaching standards. The activities will be premised on creating awareness of both the historical legacy of Native peoples, and the roles they play in contemporary society.
School children and the general public are invited to attend the event.
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