Texas. Finally, the Native Americans of Texas have a day to celebrate
their heritage. Thanks to Peggy Larney and the dedicated volunteers to
make this happen. The bill was enacted and signed by the
Governor on April 3, 2013. Thus September 27 was proclaimed as the
American Indian Heritage Day to be observed from here forward every
year.
Several people were acknowledged for the work in the
ceremonies held today at the Lone Star Park including Mary Ann
Thompson-Frenk, Coke Buchanan, Constance Hargrave and myself. It is a
joy to see this day.
Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk and Coke Buchanan
of the Memnosyne Foundation have done tremendous work with Native
Americans, not only in the United States, but also in Mexico including
establishing a medicine garden for the Mayan Indians to continue their
medicine tradition to cure the Native Americans. I salute the
foundation for taking this up. Thank you Mary Ann.
On
February 27, this year, I was to give my testimony in the state Capital,
and I could not make it due to my health, however, it was submitted to
Peggy Larney to read it for me.
As an American committed to
building a cohesive America, where every American feels an integral part
of the society, with no apprehension, discomfort or fear the other, it
is my duty to support the H.B. No. 174, a bill to create the Native
American Heritage day.
Every community, nation and the tribe
has a day dedicated to honor that community. It is a day, on which the
community comes together and celebrates it with fellow members of the
society at large, it builds a sense of community and a sense of
belonging and is a source of self esteem and recognition.
We
are God’s own country; we are blessed with every race, nationality,
ethnicity, language, culture and religion. We see God as one, none and
many and in every form; male, female, genderless and non-existent, being
and non-being, nameless and with innumerable names. We are committed
to preserve this pluralistic heritage of America.
As Texans, it
is our duty to uplift each other, so together we have a peaceful
cohesive society where we are no strangers exist. If we can learn to
respect the otherness of others and accept the God given uniqueness of
each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.
This
day, the Native American Heritage day is long overdue, with great
humility we need to approve this bill and celebrate the heritage of
fellow Native American Texans.
Mike Ghouse is committed to
building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues
of the day – More about Mike at www.MikeGhouse.net