Commission salutes veterans, observes Native American Heritage Month
 In observance of November as Native American Heritage Month, and in honor of veterans across the Commonwealth, the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission sponsored a ceremony Nov. 10 in the Kentucky Capitol Rotunda to honor Native American veterans and all those who have so honorably served in all branches of the armed forces.
"The commission is sensitive to the many service personnel in the Commonwealth who have Native American Indian heritage. Statistically, more Native American Indian people volunteer for the armed forces than any other race or ethnic group," according to Helen Danser, commission chair. "It is fitting that the commission recognize and honor all veterans because of the sacrifices these brave men and women have made. Native American Heritage Month is a perfect opportunity to combine the recognition of all of our armed forces and highlight the Native American Indian men and women in the process."
In addition to Danser, speakers and presenters included commission member Rep. Reginald Meeks; Marcheta Sparrow, secretary, Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, and Lindy Casebier, deputy secretary; Diane Hancock, 6th Congressional District field director for the Department for Local Government; Aaron Cardwell, commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4075, Frankfort; Fred Troutman, chaplain, American Legion Post 7, Frankfort; a warrior song by Frank Otero, Piqua Shawnee; and an Honor Guard presented by the Ohio Valley Native American Veteran Warrior Society.
Learn more about how the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum are joining to pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans. About the KNAHC
 The Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission was established in 1996 (KRS 171.820-171.822) to recognize and promote Native American contributions and influence in Kentucky’s history and culture. The commission has 17 members (the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary or designee, plus 16 appointed by the Governor), eight of whom are of Native American heritage. The Commission also includes representatives from institutions of higher learning, archaeology, Native American arts and the public.
Our Vision
All Kentuckians will recognize, appreciate and understand the significant contributions Native Americans have made to Kentucky’s rich cultural heritage. Through education and increased awareness, the people of Kentucky will understand the histories, cultures and matters of concern to Native American peoples.
Our Goals
- To promote increased awareness of the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission within state agencies
- To promote the role and importance of Native American peoples to the history and development of the Commonwealth through teacher education, media relations, and public education
- To develop and promote an accurate depiction of Native Americans through media relations, research, and educational programs
To develop programs, events, and materials for and about Native American peoples
- To serve as a clearinghouse for information for and about Native Americans in Kentucky
- To develop and maintain partnerships between Native American peoples, agencies, and organizations in promoting the goals and objectives of the Commission
- To promote conservation and preservation of the cultures, ideals, and artifacts of Native Americans in Kentucky
- To promote existing and needed legislation to protect and promote the heritage of Native American peoples
Educational Initiatives
- Native American Heritage Month Poster
- Teaching About American Indians: Stereotypes and Contributions, a Resource Packet for Kentucky Teachers [PDF - 2,798KB]
- A Native Presence: A Companion Guide For Middle and Elementary School Teachers (Grades 4-8), for use with KET program, A Native Presence (co-funded by the Kentucky Archaeological Survey)
- Native Americans: Who Are They Today? A Discipline-Based Unit in Social Studies for Grades 4-5 (co-funded by the Kentucky Department of Education)
- Initiated planning for a Kentucky Native American Arts and Cultural Center
Sponsored Activities
- Living Archaeology Weekend at Red River Gorge, Gladie Cultural Environmental Center
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Commission Members |
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Preservation or Archaeological Community
Dwight R. Cropper – South Portsmouth
Dr. David Pollack – Lexington
Arts Community
Darla M. Jackson – Cranks
Public at Large
Helen Danser, Chair – Tyner
Michael C. Presnell, Vice Chair – Louisville
Matthew K. Cordes – Radcliff
Michael Dunn - Louisville
Dave Fallis - Frankfort
Elbert Hagans - Hazard
Carla Hildebrand – Wickliffe
Cynthia L. Isbell - Louisville
Susan Mullins – Berea
Ricardo Nazario Y Colon - Morehead
Institutions of Higher Learning
Dr. John P. Bowes – Lexington
Dr. A. Gwynn Henderson - Lexington
Representative Reginald Meeks – Louisville
Secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet
Marcheta Sparrow
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