The U.S. Department of Energy and its Hanford contractors are joining the community in celebrating Native American Heritage in November. President Clinton has proclaimed November as National American Indian Heritage Month. This proclamation recognizes America's moral and legal obligations to American Indians and Alaskan natives, and the special trust relationship between tribal governments and the U.S. Government. Several activities are planned throughout the month including art displays, story telling, beadmaking, a five-mile run, films, and a keynote address. The community is invited to participate in these activities.
Admission is free and no badges are required.
A keynote address on Indian culture will be given by Louie H. Dick, Jr, a member of the Umatilla Indian Nation. Mr. Dick was born in Red Elk Canyon in Oregon. He attended school in Athena, Oregon, and then joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1955. After his four year enlistment, he worked as a fireman with the U.S. Forest Service and later with the Umatilla National Forest where he retired in 1985. In 1987, he was elected to the Umatilla Confederated Tribes Board of Trustees and served as Vice Chairman.