Native American Heritage Month Celebrations Begin Saturday

Ellicott City MD

04 November, 2021

1:38 PM

Description

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — On Saturday, Howard County residents are invited to join the county office of human rights and equity for a Native American Heritage Month celebration featuring dancing, singing, drumming, storytelling, children's crafts, vendors, Navajo tacos and more. November is Native American Heritage Month and the county, along with the library system and local business Nava Be Diné, will host the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the library's East Columbia Branch, 6600 Cradlerock Way. "We begin this month honoring the Susquehannock Confederation: the displaced First Peoples and Treaty People of modern Howard County," Ani Begay Auld of Nava Be Diné said. "Join us in embracing the intertribal Indigeneity living alongside you today." Last month, the county observed its second Indigenous Peoples' Day, which was first recognized by the county in lieu of Columbus Day in 2020. "This month provides an opportunity for our residents of all ages to learn more about the rich history of American Indians and Alaska Natives," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. "With supportive community partners, who hope that these activities and events encourage conversation and highlight Native American voices." There also will be a book discussion Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at HCLS's Central Branch at 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia about the 2021 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Night Watchmen by Louise Erdrich. Pre-registration is required for this event. A virtual lunch and learn called "Two Spirits: Native & Black Intersectionality" will feature Karelle Hall, a Black and Native American Ph.D. candidate studying anthropology at Rutgers University. Hall will present the history and experience of those who racially and ethnically identify as Native and Black American. Hall's presentation will be featured on the county's Facebook page and YouTube channel Nov. 24. "We are proud to partner with the Howard County Library System, Howard County Executive and Native American artists, businesses and residents to present a series of events that recognize and affirm the legacy and contributions of Native Americans," OHRE Administrator Yolanda F. Sonnier said. "We are honored to partner in acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of Native Americans to our community and culture," Tonya Aikens, president and CEO of Howard County Library System, added. "This fun, educational event provides our entire community the opportunity to enhance our knowledge of native history and traditions, and the importance of native contributions in shaping our future."