Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

United Native America (U.N.A.) was informed, by Kimberly Teehee, a staff member of the Congressional Native American Caucus, Washington DC., that the Native American Caucus would take up the issue of the National Holiday for Native American in August 2000. Mike Graham, founder of United Native America, was told under no circumstances would the holiday issue include changing Columbus Day. United Native America has long advocated changing Columbus Day to Native American Day as to creating a whole new holiday.

The U.N.A. contends that Columbus Day should be moved back to it's traditional day, the second Wednesday of October and not be a Federal tax paid holiday. It should be viewed as ST. Patrick's Day and Octoberfest not with our tax dollars. U.N.A. will offer full and complete support to the Indian Caucus concerning this issue.

"We applaud their decision to take up this issue and hope there will be a true and honest effort to bring a Holiday Bill before Congress." Graham said. "In talking with several Senators and Congressmen they have expressed that this issue should be brought forward to Congress and stand on its own merits."

The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma excepted Mr. Grahams request to pass Resolution #91-93 calling on the Federal Government to bring about a National Holiday for Native Americans. The Government to Government relationship, countless contributions and distinguished leaders in the Indian community that stood up for Indian civil rights enduring the worlds longest and most costly in human life holocaust more than deserves a Federal National Holiday.

"This is not Europe, Africa, Middle east or Asia, Americas true roots can only be found within the Native Americans. There is not one group of people in this country, or on the face of this planet, that has suffered or endured more hardship to live in peace and self-govern than the Native Americans." Graham stated.

In the year 2000 there has never been an Indian appointed to the supreme court or worked for the court, no appointments to top federal jobs, racial exclusion of Native Americans in the movies, television, music and sports industries. At this time there is not one Indian playing for the teams that use Indian heritage to boast the image of their team.

The NAACP and Jesse Jackson's Rainbow coalition have not addressed this issue. "If there were no African Americans playing on these teams I'm sure they would not hesitate to bring it to the nations attention", Mike Graham said.

The U.N.A. asks for support of all Americans to help bring about change for Native American Indians. "Respecting one another's heritage and as individuals is what Americas all about", stated Graham.

United Native America would like to thank the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma for its resolution and the thousands of Americans who took the time to respond to our National Holiday petition. They have been sent to the American Indian Caucus in Washington, D.C. Each and every one of you have made a difference on this issue.

Congressman Kildes of Michigan and the Congressional Native American Caucus' phone number is 202-225-3611.