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Grand Canyon National Park began celebrating National Native American Heritage Month with special presentations and demonstrations earlier this month.

Each year, November is recognized as National Native American Heritage Month. American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians are a special part of the tapestry of our nation's history. As keepers of a rich and ancient cultural heritage, Native Americans share with all of us the beauty of their art, power of their songs and grace of their people.

Grand Canyon's Native American Heritage Month celebration includes a new publication American Indians and the Civil War published by Eastern National, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, National Park Service and the Bureau of Indian Education.

An. evening program at Shrine of the Ages on Nov. 14 was filled with cultural dancing and demonstrations. The Guardians of the Canyon Ram Dancers, Dishchii'bikoh Apache Crown Dancers, and the Hopi Warriors of Grand Canyon performed.

To learn more about Grand Canyon's Native American Heritage Month celebration and recognition of the many accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices made by First Americans, please call the park's Diversity Program Coordinator Mariah Cisse at (928) 638-7375, or Tina Yazzi, vice-chair of Grand Canyon's Diversity Council at (928) 638-7761.