NOVEMBER INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH

November has always been the time of rebirth for the Native Americans of the Northern Cherokee Nation.

Members hope a proclamation last week by President Bill Clinton designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month could mean a revitalization of the Native American society.

"There is a lot more I hope that comes from it than just recognition," said Timexx Rainwalker Seabaugh, tribal council representative for the Southeast Missouri District.

"Our tribes are still here, our people are still here and I hope it will bring some awareness to the current issues."

The Northern Cherokee Tribe of Missouri and Arkansas was awarded an $85,000 grant from the Administration for Native Americans. Sharron Benda, Arkansas tribal representative for the Northern Cherokee Nation, said the money will be used to seek federal recognition for the tribe.

Seabaugh said recognition by the state of Missouri led to repeal of an old statute that made it illegal for Indians to live in the state. Federal recognition means much more.

"It's important that the United States government recognizes that we are here and have always been here," he said. "The government would have to look at us as a sovereign Indian nation. It would also help us to get a lot more awareness out, to tell people about our history.

"It would also give our people their self esteem back."

Clinton's administration has done a lot to advance the cause of Native Americans, Seabaugh said.

"We're not saying we're upset to see him back in the White House. He's done several things and hopefully he'll continue to do more over the next four years."

Pitter Seabaugh, who helps manage the Cherokee district office in Cape Girardeau, said representatives from the Northern Cherokee Nation will be working with the schools, especially around Thanksgiving, to advance awareness about Native Americans.

She said she was pleased when Clinton made November National American Indian Heritage Month.

"Thanksgiving is the time that we put away all the old and start new," she said. "We forgive the people we've hurt and the people who've hurt us. It's kind of a time of mending your heart and your souls and kind of starting fresh again."