House approves American Indian Heritage Day (Native American Times)

The Maryland House of Delegates voted 136-2 for a measure to honor Native Americans by making the day after Thanksgiving American Indian Heritage Day.
“Given the contributions and rich history of Native Americans to the fabric of our society, I thought it was only fitting to designate the day after Thanksgiving as American Indian Heritage Day,” said bill sponsor Talmadge Branch, D-Baltimore.
The day already is a holiday for state employees, even though it does not have a name.
“When the Pilgrims first arrived, American Indians worked with them to educate them about the land, plant life and medicines available, which helped to establish the healthy and prosperous country we know today,” Branch said.
The bill now heads to the Senate.
Other states also are considering the designation.    Native American Times