The Kansas City Chiefs and the American Indian Community Working Group will celebrate American Indian Heritage Month for the third-consecutive year when the Chiefs host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Nov. 20, at Arrowhead Stadium.

First designated as National American Indian Heritage Month in 1990, the month of November continues to serve as an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the numerous contributions of Native people. Since 2014, the Chiefs have collaborated with members of the American Indian community to honor those tribes with a historic presence and connection to this region, as well as bring awareness to fans both inside Arrowhead Stadium and throughout Chiefs Kingdom.

"Through our partnership with the American Indian Community Working Group, we continue to celebrate the rich Native American history of Kansas City and the Chiefs Kingdom," Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. "We appreciate the Working Group's guidance in creating opportunities to properly educate and create awareness of the rituals and traditions of the Native American community."

"The partnership with the Chiefs has been an important opportunity to establish a dialogue that creates an awareness and understanding of who Native people are today," said Gena Timberman, member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and American Indian Community Working Group Liaison to the Chiefs. "This is an ongoing journey; and, we believe we are moving in a positive direction."

The organization's celebration of American Indian Heritage Month began early this year. On Oct. 14, the Chiefs Community Caring team, led by LS James Winchester and QB Tyler Bray, partnered with the Iowa Tribe Boys and Girls Clubs of Kansas and Nebraska to host a PLAY 60 clinic and tour of Arrowhead Stadium.

On Sunday, American Indian Heritage Month will be celebrated in a number of ways at Arrowhead Stadium. Outside of the stadium near the Founder's Plaza, the American Indian Community Working Group will have a table in the Ford Fan Experience to build cultural awareness.

Inside the stadium, there will be a number of blessings and special celebrations to honor American Indian heritage:

Blessing of the Four Directions

Performed by Mr. Creg Hart, a member of the Kitfox Society of Men, a Cheyenne Spiritual Leader and Teacher from Thomas, Okla. The Blessing of the Four Directions is meant to bring a sense of preparation and good spirit to the community.
Hart will be joined by leaders and representatives from approximately 20 tribes with a historical presence in Chiefs Kingdom carrying their tribal sovereign nation flags.

Drum Blessing Ceremony and Honor Song

Led by Mr. George Curtis Levi, a Southern Cheyenne Kitfox Warrior Society Member and Cheyenne Ceremonial Leader, along with the Cheyenne-Arapaho Singers. In Native cultures, the drum holds great cultural and symbolic power. The drum is considered to be a sacred heartbeat that calls communities and tribal nations together. The Honor Song will be performed in honor of the family of Chiefs long snapper James Winchester.

Throughout the game, there will be additional educational information in-stadium over the public address system and ArrowVision to highlight American Indian Heritage Month. Information will also be available on the club's website at www.chiefs.com/americanindianheritagemonth. 

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