What Is Native American Heritage Month?

So, what is Native American Heritage Month all about and why do we celebrate it?

What does Native American heritage mean?

According to the National Congress of American Indians:

“Native American Heritage Month celebrates rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people.

Heritage Month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges

Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.”

How To Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

Ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month include:

• Learn the real history of Native Americans / Indigenous Peoples in America

• Discuss the truth about the real first Thanksgiving with kids

• Read about contemporary Native Americans / American Indians today (and not just historical indigenous people)

• Help kids understand that there were and are many different Native tribes and cultures

• Watch videos on traditional Native storytelling

• Learn about (and even try!) authentic Native food and recipes

• Make respectful native crafts (Native Headdress are not respectful)

• Attend or host a Native educational event

• Seek out American Indians in children’s literature

• Read Native American authors

• Support local or online Native-owned business