Spotlight
Native American Heritage Month: Understanding Its Importance and Resources for Learning
10.31.24
Each November, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American communities.
Artwork by Steven Yazzie. (Diné/Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico/European descent), Orchestrating a Blooming Desert, 2003
What is Native American Heritage Month?
Established in 1990, Native American Heritage Month was first recognized by Congress as a way to promote the understanding of Native American culture and history.
The month encourages everyone to learn about the achievements and struggles of Indigenous peoples and to acknowledge their ongoing influence in contemporary society.
It serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of Native communities throughout history.
Why is it Important?
1. Acknowledgment of History:
Native American Heritage Month offers a chance to confront the often-painful history of colonization, displacement, and cultural erasure that Indigenous peoples have faced. Recognizing this history is crucial for fostering new understandings and healing generational wounds.
2. Celebration of Culture:
The Smithsonian Museum’s National Museum of the American Indian has extensive online resources and exhibitions dedicated to Native American history and culture.
3. Education and Awareness:
By learning about Native American history and contemporary issues, we can challenge stereotypes and promote a more accurate understanding of Indigenous peoples. Education fosters respect and empathy, essential for building inclusive communities.
4. Support for Indigenous Communities:
Awareness leads to action. By engaging with Native issues, we can support policies and initiatives that uplift Indigenous voices and rights. This month is a reminder of the importance of advocacy and allyship.
Resources for Learning More
To deepen your understanding of Native American Heritage Month, here are some valuable resources:
BOOKS
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States
by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
This book offers a critical perspective on U.S. history from the viewpoint of Indigenous peoples.
Braiding sweetgrass for young adults : Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants
by Robin Wall Kimmerer
A beautiful blend of science and Indigenous wisdom, this book reflects on the relationship between humans and the natural world.
The Lone Ranger and Tonto fistfight in heaven
by Sherman Alexie
A collection of interconnected short stories that depict life on a contemporary Native American reservation, blending humor with poignant reflections on identity and belonging.
Love after the end : an anthology of Two-spirit & Indigiqueer speculative fiction
An anthology of speculative fiction that explores the experiences of Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer individuals, blending fantasy and science fiction to highlight themes of love, identity, and cultural resilience.
Native nations : a millennium in North America
by Kathleen DuVal
Winner of the 2024 Cundill History Prize for Native Nations. A “sweeping” 1,000-year history of North America from the rise of ancient cities to the present day, which entirely reframes our understanding of the period with Indigenous power and sovereignty at its center.
ORGANIZATIONS
National Museum of the American Indian:
The Smithsonian Museum’s National Museum of the American Indian has extensive online resources and exhibitions dedicated to Native American history and culture.
Native American Heritage Association:
This organization works to provide resources and support for Indigenous communities across the country.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Native Land:
An interactive website that allows users to explore Indigenous territories across North
American Indian Resource Center:
A collection of resources, including educational materials, articles, and links to Native American organizations.