Published November 1, 2024
Did you know that humans have lived in North and South America for between 20,000-30,000 years? People who are descended from those first inhabitants are known as Native Americans, or sometimes American Indians, First Americans, or Indigenous Americans. And almost 10 million Native Americans live in the U.S. today! But a lot of people still don’t know that much about the Native Community. So, in honor of National Native American Heritage Month this November, here’s a look at what you can do to learn more about and celebrate our Native friends.
What is Native American Heritage Month?
Native American Heritage Month, celebrated each November, is a special time to recognize and appreciate the vibrant cultures, histories, and contributions of Native peoples across the United States. It all began way back in 1916 when a group of passionate American Indian leaders wanted to raise awareness about their rich heritage. Fast forward to 1990, when President George H.W. Bush officially declared November as National American Indian Heritage Month, giving a bigger platform to these important stories and traditions.
Each year, communities come together for festivals, educational events, and celebrations, creating a wonderful opportunity for everyone to learn more about and honor the diverse experiences of Native Americans. It’s a time to celebrate resilience, creativity, and the beautiful tapestry of Indigenous cultures!
How Can You Celebrate Native American Heritage Month?
Learn About the Tribes
Did you know there are 574 different Native American tribes? And every single one has its own unique traditions and culture. Some tribes have one god, while others have many. Some live more traditional lives on a reservation, while others live in cities. Many tribes even have their own languages! Do a little research with your kids and find a tribe they might be interested in learning more about. Then see if your local library branch has any books or other materials that will tell you more about their culture.
Understand the Regalia
Because of movies and TV shows, a lot of people probably think of headdresses, animal skins, and beaded clothing when they think of Native Americans. But it’s important to remember that those representations aren’t always very accurate and can actually represent some harmful stereotypes. For example, many Native Americans today live a modern lifestyle in a city. So, while headdresses still have a place in some Native cultures, they’re mostly used for ceremonial purposes and special events. And, as we said above, there are over 500 different Native tribes in the US, so what they wear and how they celebrate their traditions are all very different, as well!
Visit the Eiteljorg Museum
We’re so lucky to have one of the best museums dedicated to Native American art in the world, right here in Indy! The Eiteljorg Museum is dedicated to Native art and storytelling, both from the past and today. So, you’ll see a lot of amazing paintings, sculptures, and artifacts, and you’ll also gain a better understanding of some of the individual tribes. They have a nice mix of permanent and visiting exhibits, so no two visits to this museum are exactly the same. And they have a new family area, with lots of hands-on activities for kids! Admission for anyone enrolled in a Native American tribe is free, and they’re also part of the Access Pass Program, which makes many of Indy’s cultural institutions and museums way more affordable for families who qualify.
Watch a Documentary
There’s a documentarian named Peter Santenello who visits underserved communities throughout the U.S. to tell their stories. And during that series, he visits several Native American communities, like the Navajo Nation, the Crow in Montana, and the Hopi Tribe. So, you get to hear Native Americans tells their own stories and speak candidly about Native issues. And best of all, it’s all on YouTube, and you can watch it all for free. Click HERE for a playlist of his videos about Native Americans.
Follow Native American Social Media Creators
Do you have a budding chef in the house? Sean Sherman is a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe. He’s also an influential chef with a really large following. So, check out his Instagram page, The Sioux Chef, to follow his journey. He’ll teach you how to make Mushroom Veloute and other traditional dishes. He posts about Native issues. And he makes a memorable appearance on Al Roker’s cooking show. What else are your kids interested in? Help them find and follow social media accounts for Native authors, artists, actors, and athletes.
Honor Native American Innovation
Have your kids ever played with a water gun? Have they slept in bunk beds? Have you ever taken aspirin for a headache? Each of these was invented by a Native American! And even further, the canoe, the moccasins, and snow goggles all have Native roots. So, you can celebrate Native American Heritage Month by learning more about Native contributions, growing your appreciation, and sharing that appreciation with your kids.
Become an Advocate
Native Americans, like any other marginalized community, face many specific challenges. For example, they don’t always have authority over their own land. They’re up against a lot of damaging stereotypes. And some reservations have been hit hard by poverty. So, read up on Native issues, get involved, and become an advocate. We don’t always see Native issues up close. And that’s why it’s so important to grow our understanding.
Tags: Native American Heritage Month, Native Americans, November holidays