The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, announced today a new edition of its popular, "American Indian Calendar" is available for purchase from the Superintendent of Documents in Washington, D.C.
The calendar, a much-requested booklet, lists important Indian events primarily in the 25 states where there are Indians having a service relationship with the Federal Government, giving information on pow-wows, rodeos, dances, religious observances, and arts and crafts exhibitions.
Typical entries include the Southern Ute Bear Dance at Ignacio, Colo., in May; the Custer Reenactment at Crow Agency, Mont., in late June; the July 4th Swinomish Reservation Festival at LaConner, Wash.; All-American Indian Days, the first week-end in August at Sheridan, Wyo., the Climax of which is the selection of Miss Indian America; the World Eskimo Olympics held in Fairbanks, Alaska in early August; the mid-August Intertribal Indian Ceremonial at Gallup, N.M., and the Navajo Tribal Fair at Window Rock, Ariz., in early September.
In announcing the booklet, the Bureau noted that many Indian observances depend upon seasonal activities and cannot be pinned down in advance to exact days. Tribal medicine men choose the day when portents seem best to them. It is suggested that tourists check in advance with tribes, local Bureau offices and chambers of commerce for specific dates.
Commissioner of Indian Affairs Robert L. Bennett pointed out that some Indian reservations have some of the best fishing, hunting, hiking and sight-seeing areas in the country.
"Indian areas are often less crowded than national parks and similar facilities," he pointed out, at the same time cautioning that Indian land sometimes doesn't have modern facilities and vacationers who don't have full camping equipment should plan to stay in towns outside the reservations unless they arrange ahead for accommodations in the Indian areas.
"Visitors are welcomed by most Indian people," he said. "Each reservation has its own simple rules and they should be observed. The use of liquor is forbidden on most reservations, and the taking of pictures should be checked with local authorities."
Pictures may not be taken of certain religious ceremonies, and it is advisable to ask permission before taking pictures of individuals.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs' "American Indian Calendar" is priced at 45¢ and may be obtained by writing for Number I20.2:C12/2/969, the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
