During this month the US will celebrate the diverse and rich culture, history and traditions of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian people and cultures. Today, there are approximately 4.5 million Native Americans in the United States.
This commemorative month aims to provide a platform for Native people in the US to share their culture, traditions, music, crafts, dance and concepts of life. It also gives other communities the opportunity to learn about different tribes, and raises awareness about the struggles native people have faced in the past, as well as the present, which forms a crucial part of American history.
President George Bush declared the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month, now more commonly referred to as Native American Heritage Month, on August 3, 1990.
VIBRANT CULTURE
According to a recent statement from the Whitehouse, American Indians and Alaska Natives continue to make immeasurable contributions to the US: “We honour the sacrifices many tribal citizens have made in defence of our great Nation. We also recognise that our culture is more vibrant because of the special government-to-government relationship between the United States and Indian tribes.
“During National Native American Heritage Month, we reaffirm our commitment to work with tribal communities to address serious issues affecting them and to help protect their rich and diverse heritage. This November, we celebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our Nation.”
Local institutions and organisations across the US, including libraries, schools and cultural groups will hosting events, ranging from webinars to dance performances to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
For more information, click here.
Sign up for our newsletter
