Today, 1st November 2020, marks the first day of National Native American Heritage Month in the US.
This month provides a platform for Native people in the US to share their culture, traditions and way of life. It also gives them the opportunity to express to their community, the city/county and state officials, their concerns and solutions for “building bridges of understanding and friendship in their local area”.
It’s also a time for the public to learn about the diverse cultures, traditions and histories of America’s Native people, and acknowledge their important contributions. Furthermore, it’s an opportunity for organisations and corporations to help educate staff about the unique challenges that Native people have faced both historically and in the present.
In fact, Native Americans have been hugely impacted by the current pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the cumulative incidence of laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 cases among Native Americans was 3.5 times higher than among non-Hispanic White people in at least 23 US states.
EVENT HISTORY
US President George W Bush declared the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month back in August 1990. It was a landmark bill honouring America’s tribal people. It’s now more commonly referred to as Native American Heritage Month. The US government also encourages Federal Agencies and corporations to provide educational programmes for their employees regarding Native American history, rights, culture and contemporary issues, to better assist them in their jobs and overall awareness.
“This month, as we recommit to supporting Native American Tribes and people, we resolve to work side-by-side with their leaders to secure stronger, safer communities and preserve their sacred heritage for future generations,” stated President Donald Trump in a statement from the White House. “In recognition of the importance of Indian Country to the cultural identity of our Nation and the strength of our economy, my Administration has taken unprecedented action to promote the health and wellbeing of Native American communities.”
Responding to the coronavirus pandemic, he said “we secured the largest investment in Indian Country in our Nation’s history, providing $8 billion in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to ensure Native American communities have the resources they need to combat the virus”. “In August, I signed into law the Great American Outdoors Act, the largest conservation effort in a generation, which includes up to $475 million in guaranteed funding over the next five years to improve American Indian school infrastructure,” pointed out Trump.
Image credit: MJ Tangonan, Unsplash
PUTTING AMERICA’S FIRST PEOPLES FIRST
“To further our commitment to Native American communities, my Administration recently released our policy vision for Indian Country entitled ‘Putting America’s First Peoples First — Forgotten No More!‘. This comprehensive plan protects Tribal sovereignty and economic self-determination, while also promoting public safety, providing for high-quality education, and delivering lasting solutions to long-unresolved healthcare challenges in Indian Country,” he added. “Through concrete actions like my Administration’s reform of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, we are helping increase access to water, broadband, electric, and other utility infrastructure in Indian Country. Working with Tribal leaders, we are creating investment opportunities in Native American communities, building on their storied traditions while looking toward a shared future of prosperity and cooperation.”
Native Americans “play a critical role in the health and vitality of our great Nation”, continued Trump. “During National Native American Heritage Month, we honour their vibrant cultures. As business owners, artists, teachers, writers, courageous members of our Armed Forces, and so much more, their contributions to our society are cause for celebration and appreciation by all Americans. This month, as we honour the heritage of Native American Tribes and people, we resolve to support their legacy and communities for generations to come.”
Trump also called upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programmes and activities and to celebrate 27 November 2020, as Native American Heritage Day. Click here for more information on Native American History Month.
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