Native American Heritage Month

Every November since 1990, the United States celebrates Native American Heritage Month. The commemoration of the month provides a platform for Native Americans to share traditions, music, crafts, and dance with others. It also serves as a powerful reminder for non-Natives of the important contributions and significance of Native people in the history and the present day reality of North America.

However, the importance of honoring Native people runs much deeper than this one month of celebration and commemoration.

The Native American narrative has long been controlled by a history told through the eyes of the dominant Western culture. In order to change this narrative, we must understand there is a narrative to be changed and a heritage to celebrate. Native American Heritage Month is one step toward an ever present recognition and celebration of the Indigenous peoples of North America.