Celebrate Native American Heritage this November
November 1, 2024
With the harvest season in full swing, it is a great opportunity for us to reflect on the rich culture, beautiful traditions, and paramount contributions Native Americans add to the country we live in today. Though proclamations exist as early as 1915 for an “American Indian Day,” it was not until 1990 that president George H. W. Bush declared November “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations have been issued each year since 1994, though no national legal holiday honoring Native American exists today.
As time continues to pass, each generation continues the traditions, languages, and stories of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated island communities. This November, we celebrate the remarkable diversity of Native peoples living in the United States. The Department of the Interior has named this year’s theme as “Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity.” It is important now as always that Tribes are able to make decisions about their own land, property, and heritage. This month, take time to learn more about the Indigenous History of Northeastern Pennsylvania or check out free online events from the National Endowment for Humanities.
Native and Indigenous Americans have long been advocates for maintaining our planet’s health, defending our sacred lands, and fostering literacy in the community. Historically, Sacagawea worked to support the Lewis and Clark expedition by translating and serving as a field guide. In 1985, Wilma Mankiller became the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation and subsequently implemented health and education initiatives. Today, Deb Haaland‘s historic appointment as Secretary of the Interior empowers Native communities and helps maintain Tribal sovereignty. These few, brief examples show us how Native Americans have always been at the forefront of change, working to keep the earth clean, peaceful, and equitable for all.
Looking to learn more? Check out some of these selections from our catalog that share the rich Native American Experience:
Books for Adults
Books for Children
