For more than a century, efforts have been underway to acknowledge the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States. As early as 1916, for example, New York became the first state to declare an “American Indian Day,” and several states followed that example, but it wasn’t until 1990, when President George H.W. Bush approved a joint resolution of Congress that November became a month of programs, ceremonies and activities to celebrate Indigenous peoples.
NOW members know that we’re still getting this right—we can’t balance the injustices of history with one month of commemorations. But we can anchor ourselves in some facts, truths, and compelling missions for the future.
It’s important for all of us to recognize the culture that is part of the fabric of our daily lives—from architecture, medicine, street names, sports, the food we eat and the way we interact with the environment, to name just a few examples. Here are some more from Anthropology Associate Professor Brian McKenna.
During Native American Heritage Month, and every month, NOW remains committed to seeking out and encouraging Native voices and knowledge, being purposeful and proactive in calling for inclusion of Native voices and knowledge.
We must not forget that throughout our history, Native peoples’ cultures, identities, and governments were not welcomed as part of our Nation but as a threat to it. Native people were kept from practicing their sacred traditions, pressured to assimilate, and forced from their homes and ancestral homelands.
This month, as we participate in events for Native American Heritage Month, we can go one step farther, and learn about authentic Native History and contemporary Native issues. Here are some resources from FirstNations.org, a development institute working to improve economic conditions for Native Americans.
“What most people in this country know — or think they know — about Native Americans is rooted in myths, stereotypes and half-truths,” they write. “It is a largely false and deficit-based narrative, meaning it focuses on challenges and weaknesses — real, assumed or exaggerated — rather than being based on strengths and opportunities. These narratives are almost always created by non-Native people, often with the intention to oppress Native nations, peoples and cultures.”
As NOW members, there’s a lot we can do to help reclaim Native truth and strengthen Native communities. Let’s make this month a time of reflection and resolve, along with celebration.