November is often looked at as the season that leads us into the holiday season, however, it is much more than that. In 1990 a decision was made and proper recognition was given to those who have called this North American soil home for much longer than any other group of people. What is now "National American Indian Heritage Month" initially began as a single day (Nov. 28) before evolving into a week and then a full month of celebrating the beautiful indigenous people of the Americas.
On Nov. 25, 1992, President George H.W. Bush under Proclamation 6511 designated November as "National American Indian Heritage Month." Over the years, the celebrations have increased as has the need to acknowledge not only the culture but also the people.
The White House proclamation says, “During National Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate Indigenous peoples past and present and rededicate ourselves to honoring Tribal sovereignty, promoting Tribal self-determination, and upholding the United States' solemn trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations."
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Although November has been dedicated to the celebration of National American Indian Heritage Month, we should celebrate and recognize the Indigenous people and culture daily. Below are a few ways you can support and resources that can be used throughout the year:
- Acknowledge what Native land your office (or home!) is on.
- Give thanks to the tribe and its land at the start of meetings.
- Tag your social media posts with Native land locations.
- Pool together funds and donate to a charity of your choice.
- Attend an event with your team.
- Get your team book club to read a work by a Native American
- Native American Owned bookstores
- "Moon of the Crusted Snow" - Waubgeshig Rice
- "Night of the Living Rez" - Morgan Talty
- "This Accident of Being Lost" - Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
- "Split Tooth" - Tanya Tagaq
- "Braiding Sweetgrass" = Robin Wall Kimmere
- Support Native-owned business
- Etsy
- The American Indian Business Alliance website
- 10 Indigenous-Owned Businesses You Can Support Today
- Discuss and swap podcast recommendations:
