November is a remembrance and celebration of the past, present and future societal contributions and culture of Native Americans.
Native American Heritage and Alaska Native Heritage Month helps spread awareness and educate people about native culture and the history that Indigenous people have in the United States. Indigenous groups have endured so much pain and violence at the hands of colonialism. It is important to celebrate their enduring history.
Native groups were the original inhabitants of North America, and they migrated between 40,000 and 14,000 years ago. Their diverse cultures, government systems and ways of life were and are critical to the United States. Native Americans helped discover edible plants that are eaten by many people today. They also were the first people to raise turkeys, guinea pigs and honeybees. Some Native American groups, including the Iroquois Confederacy, developed democratic systems that modeled what has become the United States government.
Acknowledging the importance of their history and culture is necessary for many Native Americans who are still struggling to be seen and heard today. Celebrating their traditions and history is key to helping raise awareness about the discrimination they still face.
A survey conducted for the National Public Radio, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, found that more than 35% of Native Americans have reported offensive comments, slurs, violence, threats and harassment. It’s important for people of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds to be educated about native people to foster greater understanding.
Colonialism had a lasting impact on native communities, including through forced boarding schools that some had to face from 1819 to the 1970s. Many Native American children were taken from their families without any representation or thought about their well-being. These schools resulted in anger and pain for the Native American families whose children grew up with a lack of knowledge about their history or culture.
Although President Joe Biden apologized for the pain these boarding schools caused to these families, many say that it was too little too late.
Educating one another and raising awareness of Native American Heritage and Alaska Native Heritage Month can increase respect and accountability for people who are not aware of indigenous history, culture and life.
It’s crucial to show support for Native American communities, learn about them and listen to their stories, advocacy and teachings. This month is a time to ally with one another and let Indigenous voices be heard.