November is Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, or as it is sometimes called, American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month or just Heritage Month. These thirty days are a time to celebrate our rich and diverse ancient cultures, traditions, and contemporary lifestyles, and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Heritage Month is also an ideal time to educate the general public about our 27 Tribal Nations, Bands and Colonies, 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 conquer these challenges.
Heritage Month has evolved from its beginnings as a week-long celebration in 1986, when United States President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the week of November 23-30, 1986 as “American Indian Week.” Every President since 1995 has issued annual proclamations designating the month of November as the time to celebrate the culture, accomplishments, and contributions of people who were the first inhabitants of what is now the United States.
For the Nevada Indian Commission and the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum, this November and every month, we celebrate our relatives and ancestors–remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our Nation.
Below are six things you can do to celebrate Heritage Month.
-Visit a cultural center or museum
The Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum is open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1 Jacobsen Way, Carson City, NV, 89701. For more information, call: 775.687.7608
¬-Attend an educational event
Join the National Museum of the American Indian, on Wednesday, November 11 to view a virtual program honoring the service and sacrifice of Native veterans and their families and marking the completion of the National
Native American Veterans Memorial.
-‘Decolonize’ your Thanksgiving dinner
Put away Native American decorations and tropes, introducing native dishes to the dinner table and engaging in conversations about Native American history with dinner guests.
–Read the work of Native American authors
Tommy Orange, Louise Erdrich, Stephen Graham Jones, N. Scott Momaday, James Phillip Welch, Wendy Rose and Joy Harjo are among the many Native American authors celebrated for their works.
-Support native-owned businesses and charities
Consider patronizing native-owned businesses or even donating to Native charities
Outsiders Hair Studio and Salon
The Eddy
Nevada Flooring
Second Nature Taxidermy
Star Village Coffee
Next Evolution Coffee Shop
Rupert Gems
Let us know your favorite Native own business.
Watch this site and Facebook for our daily spotlight of Notable Natives.