I trust you can insert into your newspaper the fact that November is National American Indian Heritage Month. A proclamation was just signed by President Bush.

If there is one group in our culture that deserves this honor, it is the American Indian and the many who have American Indian blood in their veins. Our local historian, Bill Woodiel, has done so much towards the recognition of the Trail of Tears. What caused the Trail of Tears was absolutely disgraceful. A removal of people from their very successful plantations and forcing them into the wilds of the Oklahoma territory.

An example as a descendant is actor James Garner, who is from Oklahoma and is half Cherokee and active in American Indian organizations. Also, who can forget the Oklahoma Cherokee Cowboy and philosopher, Will Rodgers?

(Editor's Note: If you'd like to read President Bush's proclamation for National American Indian Heritage Month, go online to: www.whitehouse.gov/news/re-leases/2007/10/20071031-2.html.)