Libraries honor American Indian Heritage Month Published Nov. 1, 2013 By Donovan Jackson 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala.-- -- In honor of National American Indian Heritage Month in November, the Maxwell and Gunter community libraries will display various Native American relics, outlining American Indian historical contributions, throughout the month. The theme for this year's remembrance is "Guiding Our Destiny with Heritage and Traditions." It was chosen by the Society of American Indian Government Employees. Formed in 2002, SAIGE is the first national nonprofit organization representing American Indian and Alaska native, federal, tribal, state, and local government employees. "National American Indian Heritage Month is an important month for us all because it helps us to become aware of and to recognize the significant contributions that American Indians have made to our society," said Marsha Taylor, director of the Maxwell Community Library. "Maxwell and Gunter community libraries feel honored to display items from Indian history each November." Items displayed in the libraries will include artifacts, novels, literature, DVDs and photographs. "This celebration is a special opportunity for all Americans to learn more about the history, achievements, contemporary lives and cultural richness of American Indians, truly the first Americans," said Dr. Robert Kane, Air University historian. "It's another opportunity for us to understand and relish in the diversity of the American people and specifically the contributions of American Indians to this country, including their military service and sacrifices to defend this great nation," he said.