State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Elsie Arntzen Celebrates American Indian Heritage Days
HELENA – Superintendent Arntzen and the Office of Public Instruction’s (OPI) Indian Education for All (IEFA) Unit are celebrating American Indian Heritage Days on September 22 and 29, 2023. In 1997, the Montana Legislature designated the fourth Friday in September as American Indian Heritage Day and stated that “all districts shall conduct appropriate exercises during the school day,” §20-1-306, MCA. In 2009, the Montana Legislature designated the last Friday in September as American Indian Heritage Day “to commemorate this state's American Indians and their valued heritage and culture…reflect on American Indian culture and heritage; and celebrate American Indians and their culture and heritage in all lawful ways,” §1-1-228, MCA. This year the fourth and last Fridays in September fall on the 22nd and the 29th. Schools around Montana received a publication that provides guidance on ways to celebrate, which included links to online lesson plans and resources.
“This year we have two unique opportunities to fulfill Montana’s Constitutional promise of recognizing the cultural heritage of our 12 federally recognized Tribal Nations,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “I am Montana proud of the vast resources that our Indian Education for All Unit has provided to schools, students, and families. Join me today and next Friday as we reflect on our state’s rich indigenous history.”
American Heritage Day events:
- On September 20, 2023, IEFA staff assisted with the dedication of a memorial in Helena for a Sun Dance Ceremony that was held in 1908.
- On September 21, 2023, IEFA staff helped plan an assembly at Helena Middle School with two guest speakers from the Little Shell Tribe.
- On September 28, 2023, the Myrna Loy in Helena will hold Desserts and Documentaries at 7:00 PM, to celebrate Indigenous filmmakers. This IEFA Unit is one of the sponsors of this event.