Governor's Commission on Indian Affairs Annual Report
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Governor’s Commission on Indian Affairs Annual Report 2011 Mission Statement The Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs works to serve as a statewide clearinghouse for information; to identify unmet social and economic needs in the native community; to support government education programs for American Indian youth; to provide support in the process of obtaining Recognition of State and Federal Indian Status; and to promote the awareness and understanding of historical and contemporary American Indian contributions in Maryland. 2 Table of Contents Message from the Governor …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4 Message from the Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives…………….5 Message from the Chair, Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs………………………………………6 Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7 Commissioners……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8 Commission Meeting Schedule…………………………………………………………………………………………..9 State and Federal Agency Partner Meetings and Events …………………………………………………….10 State Recognition…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....11 2011 initiatives…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..12 Outreach………………………………………………………………………………………………................................14 Commissioners in Action…………………………………………………………………………………………………….15 Resident Population………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17 Maryland Indigenous Tribes………………………………………………………………………………………………19 3 STATE OF MARYLAND OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY GOVERNOR STATE HOUSE 100 STATE Circle ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND 21401-1925 (410) 974-3901 (TOLL FREE) 1-800-811-8336 TTY USERS CALL VIA MD RELAY A MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY Dear Fellow Marylanders, It is with my best wishes that I present to you the 2011 Annual Report of the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs (MCIA). This report describes the efforts and progress of the MCIA and the American Indian Community in working together to creating a better and brighter future. With State Recognition of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe and the Piscataway Indian Nation, the MCIA continues to strive for the benefit of the American Indian Community as well as promote the welfare of its people. The opportunities for American Indians are continuously growing, and the MCIA In 2011 promoted many programs that strengthened the community in Maryland; especially in the areas of education, employment, business, and health. I commend the staff and commissioners for their exemplary work in 2011, and give my best wishes for continues success in the years to come. Sincerely, Martin O’Malley Governor 4 STATE OF MARYLAND EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT MARTIN O’MALLEY ANTHONY G. BROWN GOVERNOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF COMMUNITY INITIATIVES STATE OFFICE BUILDING, 15TH FLOOR MAIN NUMBER 410-767-4159 301 WEST PRESTON STREET Keith J. Hart,Israel C. Director “Izzy” Patoka, Executive Director FAX 410-333-5957 BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21201 TTY 410-333-5181 MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF COMMUNITY INITIATIVES I would like to congratulate all of the Commissioners on the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs (MCIA). There are only nine commissioners on the MCIA, and as a Commission, they meet more than any other ethnic commission. Your work in 2011 has been a watershed moment in so many areas: teacher training opportunities and a working with the Maryland Department of Education for a statewide curriculum on Native Americans, important progress on the reburial of Maryland’s Native American remains with the first reburial at Jefferson Patterson Park, and of course, of the State recognition of the Piscataway indigenous tribes. Thanks for your tireless leadership and forward-looking approach. I look forward to seeing what we will accomplish together in the years to come. Sincerely, Israel C. “Izzy” Patoka, Executive Director Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives 5 A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Auriel A. Fenwick Chair Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs Dear Friends: It is an honor to present the 2011 Annual Report of the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs. This report presents insight on the accomplishments, challenges and activities of the Commission during this past year. The MCIA is fully committed to helping the American Indian groups residing in Maryland. We are persistent with our work with the Governor, Maryland State agencies, and the American Indian groups in order to address the needs of the communities. This past year, we have focused greatly on working with the Piscataway Conoy and the Piscataway Indian Nation to advance their State recognition. We have also hosted the Committee’s first annual American Indian Heritage Month teacher training workshop, where Commissioner Wanda Lee brought together many individuals from various groups in order to put together a curriculum that focuses on the history and education of Native American studies. In conjunction with the community’s growing interest in Native American studies and education, the Commission maintains its support of government education programs with the intention of serving American Indian youth in Maryland. The Commission has also continued its work with Jefferson Patterson Park. With the help of the Maryland Historical Trust, MCIA’s Working Group was able to repatriate American Indian remains at an appropriate place of repose. As the year progresses, three separate locations will also be selected for upcoming repatriation. We continue to work fervently with various groups and organizations to help make a difference in the Native community. This report is only an overview of the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs activities and involvement in the community. As such, the Commission wishes to express its gratitude to Governor Martin 6 O’Malley, and his administration for its continued support of the American Indian community as we strive to move forward the vision and mission of the Commission. Sincerely, Auriel A. Fenwick EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs (MCIA) dedicated its efforts to five major initiatives during 2011: Recognition, Education, Repatriation, Health and Outreach. Below is a summary of the major work the MCIA accomplished in 2011: State Recognition of Maryland’s indigenous tribes has been long overdue. State recognition is the priority of MCIA, and influences every major initiative the MCIA put forth in 2011. The MCIA took a monumental vote at the end of the year that recommended two Indigenous petitions closer to a long awaited State recognition. The MCIA Education Committee held its first annual American Indian Heritage Month teacher training workshop. During the workshop, over forty State educators learned the histories of the indigenous tribes of Maryland that will be utilized to teach Maryland’s young people for years to come. The MCIA’s Working Group for “An Appropriate Place of Repose” took on the responsibility for returning Maryland’s indigenous ancestral remains to the earth that had been held for over eighty years at the Maryland Historical Trust. In addition, initiatives that have now become annual events prospered with continued and new partnerships. The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Water Trail kept consultation with American Indians and sought a Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs representative to be on its board. The Minority Outreach and Technical Assistance (MOTA) Program, designed to eliminate health disparities for Native Americans, participated in the celebrations for American Indian Heritage Month in Maryland and used the month as an opportunity to bring more health screenings and health resources to the Native Americans in Maryland. 7 MCIA continues to be a premier resource for insight and consultation from faith-based foundations, educational institutions, out-of-state tribal affiliations, the private sector and federal agencies. Over seventy lectures, presentations and cultural festivals were attended, with thirty-four events in November alone. The Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources and Department of Human Resources asked the MCIA members to teach “cultural competency” seminars to many of their inner agencies throughout the year. A look at the Commissioners Commissioners Tribal Affiliation County of Residence Auriel Fenwick, Chair Piscataway Prince George’s County Thomas Windsor, Vice Piscataway Prince George’s County Chair Virginia Busby, Ph.D Archeologist Harford County Kathryn Robbins- Nause-Waiwash Dorchester County Fitzhugh Wanda Lee Lumbee Baltimore County Sherry L. Majors Accohannock Somerset County 8 Guy Wells Cherokee Caroline County Robert Killen Pokomoke Howard County Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs 2011 Meeting Schedule Date Location County February 7 Department of Natural Annapolis Resources March 7 Department of Natural Annapolis Resources April 4 Department of Natural Annapolis Resources May 2 Dorchester Center for Cambridge Performing Arts June 6 Department of Natural Annapolis Resources September 12 Dorchester Center for the Cambridge Performing Arts October 3 Department of Natural Annapolis Resources November 7 Dorchester Center for the Cambridge Performing Arts 9 2011 State and Federal Agency Partner Meetings and Events Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) selected two Native American individuals through the Maryland Commission on Indian Affair’s recommendation, to serve on the Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Committee (MBEAC). These members will advise MDOT on certification and recertification of minority and disadvantaged