November is Native American Heritage Month, and at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, we are honored to celebrate and recognize the rich cultural traditions and significant contributions of Native American communities. This month, and every month, we celebrate the diverse histories, cultures, and achievements of Native Americans.
How November Became Native American Heritage Month
The journey to establish Native American Heritage Month began in the early 20th century. Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian and director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, New York, was one of the early advocates. He persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the “First Americans,” which they did for three years. In 1915, the Congress of the American Indian Association formally approved a plan for American Indian Day, and Rev. Sherman Coolidge, an Arapahoe, issued a proclamation declaring the second Saturday of each May as American Indian Day1.
The first state to officially recognize American Indian Day was New York in 1916. Over the years, several states designated days in September for this purpose. However, it wasn’t until 1990 that a significant milestone was reached. President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 as “National American Indian Heritage Month”2. Since then, similar proclamations have been issued annually, recognizing November as a time to honor Native American heritage3.
Honoring Native American Heritage Month
Throughout November, we honor the rich cultural traditions and significant contributions of Native American communities. This month is an opportunity to celebrate the diverse histories, cultures, and achievements of Native Americans. From the advocacy work of Wilma Mankiller, the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, to the artistic achievements of contemporary Native American artists like Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Native Americans have left an indelible mark on various fields and industries.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound operates on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Duwamish, Puyallup, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and Snoqualmie tribes. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the tribes who have stewarded this land throughout the generations.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, we celebrate and honor the many contributions of Native American community members and encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate and learn more about this history. You can find resources through the National Museum of the American Indian, local tribal museums, and other educational platforms.
We also recognize that Native American communities continue to face significant challenges, including systemic racism and socio-economic disparities. We believe that everyone has a role to play in promoting equity and inclusion for all. Whether that means supporting Native American-owned businesses, learning about Native American history and current events, or simply being an ally to Native American individuals in your life, there are many ways to show support.
As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we encourage everyone to actively work to support and uplift Native American communities and take time to learn more about their history and culture. For parents and Bigs, here are some FREE events you can attend with young people to help them learn about Native American cultures and history:
- Inclusive & Cultural Storytime, Saturday, November 2, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Highline Heritage Museum in Burien Learn more here >>>
- Family Day: Native American Heritage Month, Monday, November 11, 2024, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the White River Valley Museum in Auburn
- United Indians Native Art Market, November 23-24, 2024, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle Learn more here >>>
- Native American Heritage Month Scavenger Hunt, Friday, November 29, 2024, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM at the Fern Hill, Kobetich, Moore, Mottet, South Tacoma, Swasey, and Wheelock branches of the Tacoma Public Library Learn more here >>>
Thank you for joining us in recognizing and celebrating Native American Heritage Month!
