Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, dedicated to celebrating the enrichment of the culture, history, and traditions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other affiliated Island groups in the United States.
In America, this month is typically filled with Thanksgiving celebrations, often overshadowing the observance of Native American Heritage Month. What many people may not realize is that the day after Thanksgiving, commonly referred to as Black Friday, is Native American Heritage Day: the day of recognition that the Native Americans were the first people in this nation. The story of Thanksgiving commonly taught to Americans at home and in school is often presented with a positive and harmonious perspective. Many educators are encouraged to teach curriculums that emphasize a false narrative of amicable assistance between Native Americans and White settlers, which enabled them to establish a new life for themselves. Even though children are increasingly taught a more positive view of Native American culture, it is crucial to recognize and educate them about the actual historical occurrences as they mature, to guarantee their ongoing support of the culture and knowledge about proper history.
Regardless of how this history is conveyed to the American public, it cannot erase the oppression and genocides that Native Americans endured upon the settlers’ arrival in the New World. Native American numbers began to decline after settlers arrived, with more than 80% dying within the first 100 years. Therefore, many Native Americans decide to not celebrate Thanksgiving and instead view it as a day of remembrance and mourning. Despite the violent events that occurred over 200 years ago, it wasn't until 1990 that Native American Heritage Month was officially recognized. Yet, even through all of this violence and cruelty, some Native Americans do choose to embody the Native Heritage, and cultural contributions and make Thanksgiving into a positive commemoration. No matter how one chooses to celebrate, it should be acknowledged how the Native Americans were discriminated against when the settlers arrived.
In November, Indigenous communities are honored not only through Native American Heritage Month but also through events, festivals, dances, art, and businesses that promote Native American-owned products are just some of the ways Native Americans are being represented during this month. That being said, if there are no such events in the vicinity, or events are not accessible, there are numerous other ways to show support for Native American communities; these methods can include supporting Native American art, artists, authors, literature, podcasts, and music. All of these activities can be completed in the comfort of your home and still make a significant impact on the Indigenous community.
As stated in a previous article, Indigenous Peoples’ Day and the Native history of Geneseo, So, we here at The Lamron would just like to attribute a land acknowledgement for the land in which the college benefitted from. It exists due to the efforts against the rights inherent to all peoples that were stripped away from the Native people in favor of possession. We are receiving an education on top of land that was originally attributed to what is now known as the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, who are now confined to living on eleven different reservations that are spread all throughout the Western New York region.
Thumbnail Photo of Haudenosaunee flag courtesy of WikiMedia Commons