News Release From the Office of the: CHARLES COUNTY COMMISSIONERS For Immediate Release Charles County Commissioners Proclaim June 2 as Piscataway Indian Day CONTACT : Hundreds of Native Americans from many Nations around the country gathered George E. Clarkson recently as the Piscataway Indians of Maryland hosted the 25th Annual Piscataway Indian Press Secretary Festival and Pow-Wow. 301-885-1329 Held at the American Indian Cultural Center in Waldorf, the celebration featured a E-mail: spectacular opening ceremony that included a colorful and spirit-filled processional of all Native Americans in attendance. [email protected] The festival included music, ceremonial dancing, food, arts and crafts and cultural information about the history of Piscataway nation. Wayne Cooper President The Piscataway people have lived in what is now Maryland for over 10,000 years. These indigenous people were major contributors in agriculture, housing, fishing and Edith J. Patterson hunting, which was extremely valuable to the early Europeans who came to this region. Vice-President Reuben B. Collins, II The great Piscataway leader Turkey Tayac organized the Festival and Pow-Wow as a means to remind Native Americans of their culture, and to enlighten those not familiar Samuel N. Graves, Jr. with Indian ways. Gary V. Hodge In presenting the Proclamation to the Piscataways, Charles County Commissioner Edith J. Patterson said, “The very dust we stir when we walk today, responds to our footsteps, because this land is rich with the blood of your ancestors...and our feet are conscious as they make contact with the forefathers.” Address: P.O. Box 2150, For more information on the Piscataway Indians, contact Ms. Natalie Proctor at 301- La Plata, Maryland 20646 782-2224. 301-645-0550/ DC 301-870-3000 -30- June 5, 2007 Equal Opportunity Cutline: County Commissioner Edith J. Patterson with Native American participants Say No to Drugs at the Festival and Pow-Wow. Photo by George Clarkson, Press CCG Web site Secretary, Charles County www.charlescounty.org Commissioners' Office..