ROWDI plans events for heritage month

“Honoring the Good in our People” is the theme of Warm Springs Native American Heritage Month.

The Twenty-Fourth Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes made the official proclamation, declaring November as Native American Heritage Month. The proclamation prompted the ROWDI group to became active in planning activities to celebrate.

ROWDI stands for Recognizing Our Wonderful, Dedicated Indians. The group is planning events in coordination with community groups or departments.

ROWDI has chosen 10 individuals or groups who depict this sense of achievement in Warm Springs. A display of photographs and biographies of the individuals and groups will be part of a traveling display. The honored people are:

Vernon Jackson and Ken Smith for their achievements; the three Chiefs; the current Tribal Council; elders Gladys Thompson and Olney Patt Sr.; Masters degree recipients Molly Fuentes, Pita Pitt, and Direlle Calica; and Native American teachers Luanne Foltz, Taralee Suppah, Rosa Graybael, Esther Culpus, Ardis Smith, Natalie Mitchell, Arlene Graham, Deannie Smith and Shirley Allen.

The display of these accomplished individuals and groups will travel to Madras High School, Warm Springs Elementary School, and Jefferson County Middle School for students to view throughout the month. Other activities will take place as well.

On Monday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m., there will be a community meal at the Agency Longhouse in honor of Native Americans.

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, ROWDI encourages community to become a part of the Veterans Day Parade in Warm Springs. Native Americans have fought in every American war dating back to the Revolutionary War. On this day they will receive acknowledgment at the annual Veterans Day Parade, which will include traditional and contemporary dress as well.

On Thursday, Nov. 13 will be the Native American Heritage Walk. Join the ECE children at the ECE starting at 3 p.m.

A health fair on November 19 will be one of the organized activities. On November 22 a children’s powwow is scheduled at the Simnasho Longhouse.

November 28 is national Native American Heritage Day, a day of recognition of Native Americans, encouraging knowledge of Native American accomplishments throughout history and present day.

An essay contest will be held throughout November. Details will be sent to the local schools for students to enter. Winners will be chosen and photographed for an upcoming December Spilyay Tymoo edition.

Still in the planning stages is the art workshop, in coordination with Vocational Rehabilitation. The plan is for teams to work on painting designs on a canvas depicting the theme, “Honoring the good in our People.”

There will be a powwow, or Indian Nite Out, still in the planning stages, also a shoot-out basketball tournament. Watch for flyers announcing the dates and times for these events to take place.

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