November is Native American Heritage Month

On December 14, 1915, Red Fox James, rode on horseback from state to state seeking approval for a day to honor Indians and presented endorsements of 24 state governments at the White House. Though there is no record of such a national day being proclaimed at the time, since then, there have been several declarations through the years in various states at various times. 

In 1990, Congress passed and President George H. W. Bush approved House Joint Resolution 577 and signed Public Law 101-343 designating the month of November officially as the first National American Indian Heritage Month, also known as Native American Heritage Month (NAHM).

NAHM encourages mindfulness and celebration of Native American history, culture, traditions and important contributions in society. This month is a time for people to focus on educating themselves and others about Native American Tribes and elevate awareness about their history, challenges and victories within Indian Country, both past and present.

We encourage participation in meaningful ways throughout November. Here are some suggestions: 

• Attend the Annual First Foods Festival on Saturday, Nov. 9. (Flyer attached.)
• Attend Native American Outreach events and Indigenous Peoples Education & Culture Club events.
• Learn a word or a phrase a day, a week, or for the month from the Umatilla Language Online Dictionary or take a class from a Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Language Teacher.
• Have a social gathering focused on native foods and learn more about the CTUIR First Foods Policy Program.
• Have a storytelling session and read from a book of Native American stories or by a Native American author.
• Hold a CTUIR or Native American Q&A Session.
• Read up on topics like: Treaty of 1855, CTUIR History, Tribal Government/Constitution and Bylaws, Tribal Enterprises.
• Highlight and feature Native American content in your social media posts:
  • NAHM Month Art Shows (Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts, CTUIR Native Artists, Plateau Tribes Native Artists).
  • Native American books and authors and/or crafters (i.e. basket weaving).
  • Native American owned businesses (local, state and/or Pacific Northwest).
  • Participate in the “Rock Your Mocs” social media event annually on Nov. 15. (Flyer attached.)
• Visit/tour local Native American or related museums, monuments, sites or statues (Tamastslikt/Peo Mox Mox in downtown Walla Walla, Walawala Plaza, Whitman Mission, Frenchtown Historic Site).

Whatever activities you choose to participate in, let us all be mindful and celebrate deeply in our hearts. We as Native Americans have a complex history, we have beautiful and rich culture, we have strongly held traditions, we contribute in so many ways. We faced challenges. We overcame them. We continue to be victorious. We have so much to celebrate!