Native American Heritage Month

November came and went. November is a very important month since it’s known for being Native American Heritage Month. Many do not see the significance of the month and why it matters and it goes beyond that. There is more than meets the eye because it’s a month of celebrating the culture and the amazing Indigenous individuals who do so much.

Many see this as an opportunity to learn and teach about Native American history, art, identity, culture, and contemporary issues. But while it’s important that Indigenous culture is represented, it’s important to listen from the voices of the culture and reflect.

This celebration began first as a week-long celebration in 1986, when President Reagan proclaimed the week of November 23-30 as "American Indian Week." Then in 1990, Congress and President George H. W. Bush signed and passed a law that was a joint resolution that designated the month of November as the first National American Indian Heritage Month (also known as Native American Indian Month). There have been similar proclamations in the past under names like “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month” are just some that have been issued each year since 1994.

Between 1995 and 2009, Presidents Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama, and Trump have issued numerous annual proclamations marking November as National American Indian Heritage Month. These proclamations celebrate not only the contributions that Indigenous people do but it also urges people to learn more about the culture and how their actions affect their local community in a way they didn’t know existed. By learning more we are acknowledging their presence and preserving their history.

A lot of people tend to celebrate this month in various ways but one of the well known ones is sharing the importance of oral traditions in Native cultures, where stories are told and passed on to preserve histories. By practicing this important tradition, they are keeping the traditions and culture alive. Storytelling also reminds the younger generation where they come from (family, traditions, ancestors, etc.) and this helps them navigate through life. Storytelling also keeps the people alive even when the outside world wants to silence them.

Another way to celebrate Native American Heritage Month is acknowledging the land where you live. By doing so we recognize the land we are not only honoring the Indigenous people who have been living but also honor the work done on the land throughout the years. Land acknowledgements help fight colonialism since it is a current ongoing process but doing so breaks it down.

It’s important to acknowledge Native American Heritage Month not just in November but throughout the year. By supporting local Indigenous small businesses, books, art, reading books by Indigenous authors, and listening to their stories, we are supporting them. By educating ourselves, we are acknowledging their presence and educating ourselves in their history.

Works Cited:

History and Overview - National American Indian Heritage Month: A Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide - Research Guides at Library of Congress (loc.gov)

Native American Heritage Month: The Stories We Tell (educationnorthwest.org) Celebrate Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month | PBS

Land Acknowledgement - Native American & Indigenous Studies - Research Guides and Class Pages at Dominican University