Nebraska county recognizes Native holiday

Wednesday, March 5, 2008  

The board of supervisors in Thurston County, Nebraska, voted 3-2 on Tuesday to recognize the fourth Monday in September as Native American Day.

The holiday is the same as the state's Native American Day. County employees will get a paid holiday -- the first in the nation, according to supervisor Darren Wolfe, who is a member of the Omaha Tribe.

Supervisor Teri Lamplot, who has clashed with tribes on sovereignty issues, opposed the proposal. But she wasn't there vote -- she's in Washington, D.C, where she will be participating in a Citizens Equal Rights Alliance meeting next week.

Native Americans make up 52 percent of the county population. The Omaha Tribe and the Winnebago Tribe are based there.

Get the Story:
Thurston County holiday recognizes Native American contributions (The Lincoln Journal Star 3/5)