"New York had the first American Indian Day, in May 1916, and many other states have followed suit. Florida proclaimed Sept. 28, 2007, as American Indian Day - believed to be a first for the Sunshine State. Federal government-wise, November has been designated "National American Indian Heritage Month" since 1990.

Now, about the apology . . .

A resolution currently working through Congress states that the federal government violated many treaties, forced Indians from their homelands (causing many to perish), forcibly removed their children to boarding schools, and stole tribal lands and resources. In the resolution, the U.S. apologizes "to all Native Peoples for the many instances of violence, maltreatment, and neglect inflicted on Native Peoples."

The measure's sponsor, U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., says it has a good chance of passage.

"Apologies are tough," he said. "But I'm convinced the only way to move forward with relations with the Native American community is to acknowledge that chapter and ask forgiveness."

Brownback himself came around to the idea in recent years, after meeting with American Indians and seeing their "bitterness" firsthand."

Get the Story:
Dare to Ask: Honoring American Indians (The Jacksonville Times-Union 7/23)

Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments:
S.1200 | H.R.1328

Apology Resolution:
S.J.Res.4 | H.J.Res.3

Related Stories:
Sen. Brownback hopeful for U.S. apology this year (7/3)
Kevin Abourezk: Native people not waiting for apology (6/20)
Opinion: US owes apology to Native peoples (6/17)
Audio: Sen. Brownback on Indian apology (6/16)
Editorial: An emotional apology from Canada (6/13)
Historic apology from Canada for school abuses (6/12)
Canada to deliver Native apology this afternoon (6/11)
Canada to apologize to Native students on Wednesday (6/10)
Rep. Boren hopes to put Indian apology in IHCIA (3/6)
Apology resolution added to Indian health bill (2/21)
Apology resolution introduced again in Congress (2/13)
Senate committee debates U.S. apology resolution (05/26)
Witness list for hearing on U.S. apology resolution (5/24)
Hearing scheduled on U.S. apology resolution (5/20)
Brownback reintroduces Native apology resolution (04/21)
Editorial: Apology a sign of 'modern tribal power' (06/28)
Bush blamed for delay of apology resolution (6/22)
Letter: People opposing formal apology in denial (06/18)
High-profile bills delayed by Senate committee (6/17)
Indian Affairs Committee activity this week (6/15)
Editorial: Apology to Native peoples not needed (6/15)
Tribal foes question need for U.S. apology resolution (6/11)
Brownback says reservation visit inspired apology (05/25)
Consideration of U.S. apology resolution delayed (05/20)
Apology from U.S. requested by Kansas Senator (5/19)