November is Native American Heritage Month

November is National Native American Heritage Month, a month-long celebration of indigenous culture and accomplishments, as well as dedication to raising awareness of Native history, current events, and the diverse communities of Native Americans in the U.S.

What is the history?

• Also referred to as "American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month," former President George H.W. Bush officially approved a month-long national recognition in 1990.
• A number of cities and states have also re-designated Columbus Day as Native American Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day. However, apart from President Joe Biden’s proclamation (making him the first president to mark Indigenous Peoples’ Day) there has yet to be a federal change.
• While any month, or day, can be devoted to learning more about the Indigenous people of the Americas, here is a short compilation of educational resources, helpful organizations, and events you can participate in this November. 

Native Americans got the right to vote in 1924. When did you? 

Click on the image above to order your shirt (all proceeds go to the ACLU)

And VOTE ON NOVEMBER 8th

Virtual events and media

• Nov. 9 - The Field Museum and Chicago Public Library are hosting a storytime event to celebrate Native American heritage and honor the Indigenous nations that have lived on the land now known as Chicago. Register to join virtually here. 
• Nov. 18-25 - The National Museum of the American Indian is putting together a Native Cinema Showcase for a weeklong celebration of the best in Indigenous films. This year’s online program will include 35 films representing 30 Native nations in eight different countries, with documentaries, music videos, shorts, and more. 
• Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is offering a curated collection of documentaries to lift Indigenous voices this month. 

Local events

• Philadelphia - The National Parks Service is hosting various events throughout the month at Independence National Historical Park, like the pop-up programs “In their Shoes: Native American Footwear and Cultural Exchange,” “Difficult Decisions, Native Americans and the Amerian Revolution,” and “Between Two Worlds: Native Americans and 1700s Philadelphia.”
• New York City - NYC Parks is hosting various events for Native American Heritage Month in late November in almost every borough. Check out these free educational events in the Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. 
• Plymouth, MA - On Nov. 24, the United American Indians of New England is hosting a National Day of Mourning in Plymouth, MA, to mourn the loss of millions of Native people, the theft of Native lands, and the erasure of Native culture. 
• Washington, D.C. - The Library of Congress is hosting a lecture, “Native Voices with Storyteller Dovie Thomason,” on Nov. 25. Thomason will draw on her won Lakota/Kiowa Apache tradition and experience to share a clearer understanding of the value and cultures of the diverse First Nations of North America. 
• Los Angeles - The Red Nation International Film Festival runs from November 1-30 and includes in-person and virtual film screenings, award ceremonies, and events. 

Educate yourself

• Search your address and explore this interactive map to see the tribal nations and languages that once populated your area. The site also has articles and research resources. 
• The National Native American Heritage Month website has exhibits, videos, events, and activities. 
• If you want to learn more about policy issues and initiatives, check out the National Congress of American Indians website.
• Indian Country Today is a news publication dedicated to broadening perspectives on and bringing a voice to Indigenous people.
• The National Parks Service hosts a variety of educational resources, media, and event opportunities.

Donate to...

• The American Indian College Fund, which advocates for and provides scholarships to Native students
• The Native American Rights Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the rights and sovereignty of American Indian tribes, organizations, and individuals. 
• The Native American Disability Law Center, which advocates for the legal rights of Native Americans with disabilities.
• Charity Navigator’s list of highly ranked Native-led non-profits

More Ideas

• This list from the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has many different ways you can support, with places to shop local and support indigenous businesses, book lists, and media resources.
• The Cultural Survival non-profit created a list of resources for Native American Heritage Month with information on how to decolonize Thanksgiving, honor Indigenous Stories, to learn about land acknowledgment, traditional lands, and treaties. 

How are you planning to honor Native American Heritage Month? Let us know any events we may have missed or additions we should make.

-Jamie Epstein & Casey Dawson