On Oct. 29, President Biden declared November as National Native American Heritage month.
To help celebrate, next week the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Sleeping Ute Diabetes program hosts “Keep Calm & Stay Native Strong Week.” The tribal community is encouraged to showcase its Indigenous culture.
Monday is traditional hairstyle day, Tuesday is traditional shirt or skirt day, and Wednesday is traditional jewelry day.
The first five individuals who take a selfie on each day will receive a prize. Email them to cstash@utemountain.org
On Friday, Nov. 19, the Moccasin Walk will take place at the White Mesa Recreation Center on the southeast Utah portion of the Ute Mountain Ute reservation.
The first 50 participants who wear their traditional moccasins and complete the walk will receive a prize. No house shoes, beaded tennis shows or decorated tennis shoes are allowed.
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., and the walk begins at noon.
The White Mesa Ute Community Center is on U.S. Highway 191 between Bluff and Blanding. It is on the west side of the road, behind the Mobil Gas Station.
Masks are required for the event, and all tribal COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. For more information, contact the Sleeping Ute Diabetes Program at 970-564-5391.
In his proclamation, Biden praised Native American tribes and recognized a “painful history” marked by unjust federal policies.
“During National Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate the countless contributions of Native peoples past and present, honor the influence they have had on the advancement of our Nation, and recommit ourselves to upholding trust and treaty responsibilities, strengthening Tribal sovereignty, and advancing Tribal self-determination,” he said.
“Our Nation cannot live up to the promise of our founding as long as inequities affecting Native Americans persist. My Administration is committed to advancing equity and opportunity for all American Indians and Alaska Natives and to helping Tribal Nations overcome the challenges that they have faced from the pandemic, climate change, and a lack of sufficient infrastructure in a way that reflects their unique political relationship.”
