National Native American Heritage Month
Let’s Celebrate Indigenous Americans!
Dive into the vibrant history of National Native American Heritage Month and join the celebration of cultures that shaped our nation! 🌟🍁 #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth
Related Blog Articles and Podcasts
Check back often, we plan on adding more blog articles and podcasts as we celebrate this important month!
✔ George Bonga: Bridging Cultures in Early Minnesota
✔ Maple Syruping in Minnesota’s Ojibwe Culture: Savoring the Sweet Tradition
✔ Whispers of the Ancient Midwest: Discovering Jeffers Petroglyphs
✔ John Beargrease: A Legendary Life of Resilience and Adventure
✔ The Real Story Behind Indigenous Peoples’ Day
✔ Minnesota Munchies: Wild Rice and the Ojibwe
✔ Discover Pow Wow Grounds: A Minneapolis Gem
✔ Princess Red Wing: The Inspiring Life of Lilian St. Cyr
✔ Lover’s Leap: The Tragic Life of Princess Winona
✔ Travel with Miss Minnesota’s First Indigenous Queen
About National Native American Heritage Month
Hey, friends! 🌎 November is a special month—it’s National Native American Heritage Month! It’s a time to honor the rich cultures, traditions, and histories of Indigenous Americans.
Let’s take a quick journey back in time. At the start of the 20th century, folks began pushing to recognize the incredible impact Indigenous Americans have had on the United States. From this effort, a whole month was eventually dedicated to celebrating these contributions.
Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, played a huge role in this. He managed to get the Boy Scouts of America on board, dedicating a day to the “First Americans” for three years. In 1915, things really got moving when the American Indian Association met in Kansas and decided to make it official. They chose the second Saturday in May and called for the nation to celebrate American Indian Day.
Imagine riding horseback from state to state—that’s exactly what Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, did. He was determined to get a day to honor Native Americans. He gathered endorsements from 24 states and took them all the way to the White House in December 1915. Sadly, there’s no record of a national day being declared then.
States started taking the initiative themselves. New York was first, celebrating American Indian Day in May 1916. Others picked different dates, like the fourth Friday in September. Some even swapped out Columbus Day for Native American Day. But, it wasn’t recognized as a national holiday.
Fast forward to 1990, when President George H. W. Bush stepped up. He declared November as “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Since then, every year, we’ve seen proclamations celebrating Indigenous American heritage in various forms.
This month is a tribute to the first people of America and their enduring legacy. It’s a chance for all of us to learn more, engage with, and appreciate the diverse cultures that are part of the nation’s history and present. So, let’s explore, reflect, and celebrate the vibrant Indigenous American cultures across the country! 🍂📚✨
