Welcome to our series sharing Unique Holidays: November 21st, 2021. This is National American Heritage Month. I can’t wait to study this event with Charlie. I think we should have our DNA done because my grandmother used to say we had Indian in us and it would be nice to see if its true or not. Are you Indian if so which one?
Native American Heritage Month
Every year on November 1st, Native American Heritage Month is celebrated to honor the Native Americans who have contributed a lot to improve the character of the Nation. November is also referred to as the American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. November is the time to rejoice in diverse and rich cultures, histories, traditions and to appreciate the great contributions of the Native Americans. November allows us to spread awareness about tribes or to educate people about the various challenges faced by the Native Americans in the past and today. Throughout, November we commit to keep on supporting the remaining Native American tribes and let the world know about their sacrifices.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
National Native American Month started off as an effort to create a day of appreciation and acknowledgment for the unique contributions made by the first Americans for the growth and establishment of the United States. This effort has now resulted in a whole month being celebrated for that purpose.
Dr. Arthur C. Parker was one of the first supporters of having American Indian Day. He was a Seneca Indian and the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, New York. Dr. Arthur C. Parker was also the one to convince the Boy Scouts of America to create a day for the Native Americans. Which the Boy Scouts adopted this Holiday for three days.
In 1915, a plan concerning American Indian Day was formally approved in the annual Congress of the American Indian Association meeting. The president of the American Indian Association, Rev. Sherman Coolidge, called upon the Country to observe this day.
The first time American Indian Day was declared was in May 1916. In 1990, a joint resolution was approved by George H.W. Bush, which called for November to be named National American Heritage Month. Declarations like these have been issued since 1994, such as Native American Heritage Month and National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
- Native American Heritage Month is an excellent way to learn about the history of American Indians. You can teach your children about the Country’s past and how Native Americans have helped America.
- You can visit a museum in-person or virtually to show them artifacts and exhibits of the Native Americans’ jewelry, customs, and culture.
- There are many cultural videos you can watch on Native Culture like the “Living Earth Festival”. If you or your kids are interested in learning about the Native American Culture find a documentary or movie and watch it.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
