Salt Lake City -- November is Utah American Indian Heritage month. Schools throughout the state are being encouraged to study the history of the state’s American Indians and the state is hosting an Indigenous Day awards celebration on November 22 at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City.

"Utah’s tribes add a richness to our cultural diversity," said Gov. Olene Walker. "Their service in government and other programs are not only beneficial to their members, but to our state and nation."

"It is the time of the year that we acknowledge, as so proudly displayed during the Opening Ceremony of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the five Indigenous nations of the state of Utah: Goshute, Navajo or Dine’, Paiute, Shoshone, and Ute," said Forrest Cuch, director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs. "The division joins the tribes in wishing everyone an enjoyable upcoming Thanksgiving Day and holiday season."

The division is also urging schools throughout the state of Utah call special attention to this month and the history of Utah’s American Indians.

Meantime, the Utah Division of Indian Affairs will host its Annual Indigenous Day Dinner and Awards Celebration on November 22 at The Point Restaurant at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, 2000 Circle of Hope, Sixth Floor. The event is open to the public. Several Indian and non-Indian people who have made outstanding contributions to American Indians in the state of Utah will be honored. Social hour begins at 6:00 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available for $10 per individual and $15 per couple. RSVP required. For questions regarding American Indian Heritage Month, contact the Division of Indian Affairs office at (801) 538-8808.

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