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Native American Heritage Month (NAHM), also commonly recognized as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, takes place in November and is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the rich and diverse traditions, cultures, and histories of Native people.
It’s also the time to to educate the general public about the tribes' past and present experiences, raising awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced historically – and continue to face in the present. The way tribal citizens have worked to conquer and overcome these obstacles are recognized.
It wasn’t until President George H. W. Bush approved a House Joint Resolution in 1990 that the day expanded into “National American Indian Heritage Month” in November. Since 1994, U.S. presidents have declared executive orders declaring November the month to annually celebrate.
Through similar Congressional Resolutions, under NAHM and other titles, proclamations have called for groups, organizations, and individuals across the country to take part in appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies during Noveember.
Lisa Murkowski, Alaska Senator and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA), issued astatementon Monday designating November 2021 as National Native American Heritage Month.
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AlongsideSenator Schatz (Chairman of the SCIA), she willco-lead the introduction of a Senate Resolution during the first week of the month.
“From the most northern Native community in the Arctic Slope region to the most southwestern Native community in the Aleut region in Alaska, I welcome what this month brings and hope all will join in the many events celebrating the unique history, culture and traditions of our First peoples,” Murkowski said.
Rep. Deb Haaland.Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty
This past year, the United States government saw increased inclusion of Native people on a federal level. The past national election saw a record of six Native Americans elected to Congress, while the Biden administration also has made historic strides for indigenous representation and inclusion.
Deb Haaland(Pueblo of Laguna) is the first Native American cabinet member, serving as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior. On Sept. 8, Haaland swore in Bryan Newland (Bay Mills Indian Community) as Assistant Secretary.
Additionally, the administration committed to therestoration of Bears Ears National Monumentin Utah – a space sacred to many of the region’s Indigenous nations.
The purpose of the project was completed in an “effort to better protect, conserve, and restore the lands and waters that sustain the health of communities and power our economy,” theWhite Housesaid.
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A month later, Biden made history as the first president to issue apresidential proclamation acknowledging Indigenous Peoples' Day, which has been an ongoing effort to refocus the holiday dedicated to celebrating Christopher Columbus toone that highlights the generations of native persecution at the hands of European settlers, as well as the accomplishments and resilience of the tribes.
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“It’s important that we always remember to honor the resilience, love and strength of our ancestors who brought us to this point in time and to our elders and all of our relatives who continue to be courageous and committed to practicing our sacred traditions through song and prayer,” saysStrongHearts Native Helpline Director Lori Jump, who is part of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. (StrongHearts Native Helplineis a “24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic, dating and sexual violence helpline for American Indians and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy.")
Ways to participate in the celebration:
There are approximately 326 reservations in the United States, making up more than 56 million acres of land, according to theDepartment of Indian Affairs. Looking for ideas on how to learn more and celebrate?
There are a number of ways in which you can participate in NAHM, including paying a visit to one of the reservations or taking a trip to your local museum. You can also support native-owned businesses and charities.
Click through for more informative and interactive experiences:
Events taking place throughout the month:
Head toAlaska Senator Lisa Murkoski’s government pagefor more information on these notable items and events.
source: people.com
