National American Indian Heritage Month

National American Indian Heritage Month

In November we are celebrating National American Indian Heritage month, also American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.  November provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the cultures and traditions held dear by tribal nations. This is an opportunity for us to honor Native Americans to have contributed to the character of our Nation, and also a wonderful time for us to celebrate our rich and diverse cultural histories and traditions. The first observation day celebrating Native Americans was in 1900, and over time this month of honor has been known by different names (and has shifted from May to November). Most recently, in 2009, Barack Obama issued a declaration to assign November as National Native American Month. Some suggestions from “National Today” on ways to honor Native American Heritage month are to plant flowers and plants indigenous to your area.

Below are some optional self-directed learning opportunities.

Watch
Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
Listen
Let’s Talk Native with John Kane: Blurred Identities
Read
Honoring Nations: Successes in Self-Governance
Act
41 Native-owned Businesses to Support During Native American Heritage Month and Year-round