Native American Heritage Day

NORFOLK, Va. - President Obama named November 27th "Native American Heritage Day" in honor of the contributions made by Native Americans.

A ceremony at Norfolk's Botanical Garden drew people in native dress and others to showcase American Indian culture.

Native Americans from different tribes took time out to pay tribute in song to a symbol of our nation, the eagle, as it flew to its nest at the Botanical Garden.

American Indians believe the eagle is a go between for prayers to God.

Bob Jondreau, Native drummer said, "He's the one between us and the Almighty. You give the messages and he'll take them."

"I like to look forward to the future, reach back and touch my heritage, and give it to my children and grandchildren. It's really enlightening and inspiring for us." said Sylvia Nery Strickland one of the Native singers.

Barbara Ray brought her 4-year-old granddaughter Cheyenne who told us she was fascinated with the big drum and the eagle.

The group 4 Rivers Drum performed in honor of Friday and for November as Native American Heritage Month.