Native American Heritage Month

What is Native American Heritage Month?

Every November we celebrate the rich and diverse culture of Native Americans. Native American Heritage Month educates and spreads awareness about native contributions to America and the ongoing discrimination they face. 

What is Native American Heritage Day?

Taking place the day after every Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day is dedicated to mourning the lives of Indigenous people lost to the brutality of settler colonialism on Thanksgiving. Due to the ignorance of the violence and mutilation directed at Indigenous people on that day, Native American Heritage Day takes place in honor of these people. 

Discrimination throughout history:

1. Displacement

   • A notable moment in history, the Trail of Tears, displaced 16,000 Cherokees

2. Medical discrimination

3. Violence and harassment directed at Native communities

4. Discrimination in workplace

   • Ex. unequal pay and unequal opportunity

5. Racial profiling

6. Voting in politics that disregard Native communities

Why is it important that we acknowledge Native American Heritage Month and Day?

Not only is this a time to celebrate the traditions, culture, and history of Indigenous people, but also to educate ourselves. In order to repair our nation into one that does not discriminate, we must first learn about the systemic oppression minority communities face. Spreading awareness is the first step.

1. It is important to show support for the contribution of Native Americans in building our nation

2. Our fight for racial equality for everyone, includes Native Americans

What can you do to support our Native American community?

1. Support Native American Businesses and Movements

   • Instead of shopping at a big corporate store, show support for your local business and shop there instead 

   • It is always good to advocate for Native American rights and empower indigenous communities 

2. Donate to charities and help them out 

3. Educate others about Native American History 

   • Their history can be painful, unique, and often untold. Make sure others know! 

   • Read books by Native American authors to learn about their diverse cultures

4. Acknowledge and respect Indigenous people’s homes (previously and currently) 

   • Recognize where you live and the relationship of Indigenous people to their traditional territories 

   • Reservations are where the U.S. government have forced Native Americans to move

   • These reservations are the homes of tribes and communities where they live and work 

   • Remember to respect the boundaries of Native Americans’ homes!