American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month Program
Since the early 1990s, November has been proclaimed by the President as National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. To celebrate the heritage and contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Indian Health Service will sponsor an Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, November 1, 2006, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Great Hall of the Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.
The theme of this celebration is "Creating a Healthy Native World."
The keynote speaker for this year's event is CDR. John B. Herrington (USN ret), a former NASA Astronaut and the first American Indian to fly and walk in space. He is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. Herrington received a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs in 1983 and a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1995. Mr. Herrington is known for his ability to captivate and challenge audiences. His skill and capabilities are unique and his presentation will be both motivational and inspirational.
Kathleen Annette, M.D. (Chippewa) will be the Mistress of Ceremonies. Dr. Annette serves as the Bemidji Area Director for the Indian Health Service. Dr. Annette was recently inducted into the Northwest Minnesota Women's Hall of Fame.
To assure appropriate seating arrangements and recognition, please RSVP by COB October 31, 2006, to the IHS DMEEO Office at (301) 443-1108 (Voice), (301) 443-0096 (FAX) or Roxanne.Lavallie-Unabia@ihs.gov. Please let us know if an accommodation is needed to facilitate your attendance. Sign Language interpreter services will be provided.
We hope you can join in this important celebration.
