Recognizing Native American Heritage Month

We must always remember that the land that we now call home is the ancestral heritage of nearly 575 tribes who then and still today are stewards of our lands and natural resources.  November is a time to honor the many achievements and contributions of Native Americans and Indigenous people whose rich cultures, strong traditions and deep histories have made a lasting and important imprint in our nation’s history.

As we do, we must acknowledge that much of our country resides on traditional territory of many diverse Native American and Indigenous people. You can see for yourself the depth and breadth of Indigenous history on our country by scrolling through this map of native lands and territories.

Throughout November, we hope you take some time to explore and recognize Native American Heritage Month and learn more about the first Americans and their journeys.

1. Learn more about Native American culture
   • Visit the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC and New York in person to experience the exhibitions firsthand and/or attend an online exhibition to learn more about Native Americans and Indigenous people.
   • Enjoy the National Museum of American Indian’s annual Native Cinema Showcase to celebrate the best in Indigenous film November 18-25. The event is online and will include a total of 35 films representing 30 Native nations in eight different countries.
2. Read about influential Native American leaders as well as current cultural, political, business, science and arts icons of Native American descent
3. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with your local community with this guide to local events and more
4. Add a book from a Native American author to your reading list or read one to your child or a young person you know
5. Listen to Native American musicians
   • Check out Brooke Simpson, a Haliwa Saponi tribe member and contestant from NBC’s The Voice and America’s Got Talent
   • Listen to legendary Jimi Hendrix who had Cherokee roots
   • Immerse yourself in Pamyua’s sounds as they celebrate Indigenous cultures
   • Hear the award-winning music from Keith Secola, a seven-times Native American Music Awards winning artist and member of Anishinabe from the Iron Range of Northern Minnesota
   • Enjoy the tunes from “The Bad Girl of Rock &Roll” and Cherokee descendant Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes
6. Explore the Indigenous land interactive map
7. Hike parts of the Trail of Tears (Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Alabama)