Article submitted by:

Erin Graves, MEEA Board Treasurer

America is a vast land of many cultures dating back thousands of years to the original inhabitants of the land. The history and heritage of Native Americans continue to be a significant part of our country.  Thus, November is nationally recognized as Native American Heritage Month. Within the month of November, there’s also National Native American Heritage Day recognized on the 25th.   The first “American Indian Day” was celebrated in May 1916 in New York.  Yet, in 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage month.  Since then, Native American Heritage Month serves to honor and celebrate the diverse cultures, contributions and histories of  Native and Indigenous people in the United States, including American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and American Samoan communities. In addition to celebrating Thanksgiving, where Wampanoag Indians shared their harvest with the Pilgrim’s harvest in a three day festival,  November now also raises awareness about the vibrant cultures and heritage of Native communities, uplifting the unique traditions and voices of tribes across the nation. 

There are many ways to celebrate this month, from learning about different tribes to participating in activities. As we warm up with a pumpkin spice latte, we can remember that pumpkin is an Indigenous food from North America, or watch First Nations’ documentary GATHER, and remember where our food comes from.  Other ideas to honor and celebrate are: Plan a garden for next spring (corn, beans, squash, pumpkins, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, yams, peanuts, wild rice, chocolate, pineapples, avocados, papayas, pecans, strawberries, cranberries, and blueberries are all native foods) or lend a hand in a community garden. Go snowshoeing, play basketball or lacrosse or enjoy other NATIVE AMERICAN GAMES (all have Indigenous roots).  

You can create Native American ARTS AND CRAFTS, find out which Indigenous peoples occupied the LAND YOU CURRENTLY LIVE ON, or explore what it would look like to give land back. Finally, you can donate to a NATIVE-LED NONPROFIT that will help ensure we do not repeat the mistakes of the past that put us back centuries.

This month, it is indeed a time to celebrate Native cultures. Yet, we can also challenge ourselves to do even more.  When teaching about Native American history, it is the perfect opportunity to speak with students and others about how to engage with the history in a respectful and culturally sensitive way that accurately reflects native cultures.  Moreover, it is a time to consider history anytime anyone proposes impeding the rights ot Native Americans by spreading awareness around what such actions will do to Native communities and tribal sovereignty.  During Native American History month we can acknowledge and draw upon the expertise and knowledge of Indigenous peoples who helped shape our country. In November and every month, we celebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our Nation.

Resources:

8 Ways to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month Posted 08/30/2023 by Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Parent Resources

The Library of Congress | Legal | USA.gov

U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Affairs

A Proclamation on National Native American Heritage Month, 2023, President Joe Biden