November

From the National Archives EEO Special Observances Page

National American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month

Authority: Presidential Proclamation and Executive Order 13270

In 1976, Congress designated a week of October to celebrate Native American Awareness Week. The week served as recognition for the great influence American Indians have had upon the U.S. Yearly legislation was enacted to continue the tradition until August of 1990, when President Bush approved the designation of November as National American Indian Heritage Month. Each year a similar proclamation is issued. President Clinton noted in 1996, "Throughout our history, American Indian and Alaska Native peoples have been an integral part of the American character. Against all odds, America's first peoples have endured, and they remain a vital cultural, political, social, and moral presence." November is an appropriate month for the celebration because it is traditionally a time when many American Indians hold fall harvest and world-renewal ceremonies, powwows, dances, and various feasts. The holiday recognizes hundreds of different tribes and approximately 250 languages, and celebrates the history, tradition, and values of American Indians. National American Indian Heritage Month serves as a reminder of the positive effect native peoples have had on the cultural development and growth of the U.S., as well as the struggles and challenges they have faced.

Native American Heritage Month

In late September, the Beaverton School Board passed a resolution to recognize Indigenous People’s Day and Native American Heritage Month in the month of November. As part of this important learning, we strive to acknowledge the contributions and resilience of Beaverton’s Native communities, and to actively address some of the past harms that have been done to Native American communities, past and present.

Additionally, the state of Oregon has passed Senate Bill 13: Tribal History/Shared History, an effort by the state to partner with Oregon tribes to create more accurate and inclusive k-12 lessons that are beginning to be integrated in grades 4, 8, and 10 in Social Studies, English, Math, Science, and Health. Working to make our district more inclusive and to eliminate harmful stereotypes is hard work. It requires dedication and a willingness to examine our past practices with open hearts and minds.