We’ll begin by gleaning some information about the purpose of this commemoration, and the history. This information is according to Google:
“Key aspects of Native American Heritage Month
“Purpose: To recognize and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Native Americans and Alaska Natives, while also raising awareness of the challenges they have faced and continue to face.
“Origin: The tradition began with American Indian Day in May 1916, and November was officially designated as National American Indian Heritage Month in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush.
“Focus: The month-long observance highlights the resilience, perseverance, and strength of Indigenous peoples and their rich traditions, languages, and contributions to areas like art, agriculture, and environmental care.”
The Native American Perspective
For a Native American perspective, we went to a website entitled “Native News Online” [LINK]. We encourage our readers to visit and read the news from this publication. We won’t be sharing any political commentary, but we would like to share their narrative on the history:
“The origins of this national observance trace back more than a century. In 1916, New York became the first state to declare an “American Indian Day,” following years of advocacy by Red Fox James of the Blackfeet Nation, who rode horseback across the country seeking support from state governments.
“In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month. Since then, every U.S. president has issued proclamations reaffirming the importance of honoring Native heritage.”
Population Growth
The article goes on to talk about the growth of the Native population, having grown by more than 30% this past decade. The population is young, with a median age of 33 years.
“There are currently 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States, each with unique languages, governments, and cultural traditions. While many tribal citizens live on their ancestral homelands, roughly 71 percent now live in urban areas.
“This migration reflects a long history of relocation policies, but it has also led to growing Indigenous visibility in cities, where Native people are establishing cultural centers, businesses, and community-led initiatives that strengthen identity and economic opportunity.”
The writer points out that disproportionate poverty persists, along with health disparities, and other legacies as well:
“The legacy of boarding schools, land dispossession, and federal assimilation policies continues to affect generations. Yet throughout Indian Country, efforts to reclaim and revitalize Native languages, protect sacred sites, and restore food sovereignty are driving powerful movements of healing and resurgence.
“Native American Heritage Month invites all people—not just those within Indigenous communities—to learn and take part in this story. Supporting Native-owned businesses, attending cultural events, or learning about the land one lives on are ways to honor this month’s recognition.”
Honoring with Gratitude
We do indeed honor this month’s recognition of Native Americans. We encourage readers to learn the history, support Native-owned businesses and honor the noble Native tribes who occupy ancestral lands, govern themselves, speak their unique languages, protect their sacred sites and enjoy their culture. What a great victory this is. We are grateful to Native Americans for sharing their experience and their wisdom during this very special commemoration.
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