Native American Heritage Month is celebrated every November to honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American peoples. This month provides an opportunity to learn about traditional arts and crafts such as jewelry making, rug and blanket weaving, quillwork, and beadwork. For environmentalists, this month offers a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and practices that have long championed environmental conservation and sustainability.

The official designation of Native American Heritage Month began in November 1990, when President George H. W. Bush signed a joint resolution marking November as “Native American Heritage Month.” The history of this observance dates to early advocates like Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a significant proponent for a day to honor Native Americans. He persuaded organizations like the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the “First Americans.”

Each year, different themes are chosen to focus on various aspects of Native American heritage. Past themes have included “Resilient & Enduring: We are Native People” and “Growing Native Leaders: Enhancing Our Seven Generations.”

Why It is Important

Cultural Recognition: Celebrating this month helps preserve and promote the diverse heritage of Native American communities.

Historical Acknowledgment: It acknowledges the significant contributions Native Americans have made to art, science, government, and many other fields.

Raising Awareness: This month raises awareness about the current challenges faced by Native American communities, such as issues related to land rights and cultural preservation.

Promoting Understanding and Respect: Native American Heritage Month fosters dialogue and understanding of Native American communities and cultures.

Celebrating Achievements: It celebrates the achievements of Native Americans in various fields.

Native American tribes have a profound connection to the land, viewing it as sacred and essential to their culture and way of life. This intrinsic bond has fostered a tradition of sustainable living and environmental stewardship that has been practiced for centuries.

Indigenous peoples possess a wealth of ecological knowledge developed through generations of close interaction with their environment. This includes:

• Land Management Practices: Techniques such as controlled burns and crop rotation that promote biodiversity and land health.
• Resource Conservation: Sustainable harvesting methods that ensure the renewal of natural resources.
• Holistic Ecosystem Understanding: Viewing ecosystems as interconnected systems, leading to harmonious coexistence with nature.

Environmentalists can learn much from these time-tested practices as they strive to address contemporary environmental challenges. Recognizing and integrating Indigenous knowledge can lead to more effective and sustainable environmental solutions.

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month encourages collaboration between Indigenous communities and environmentalists. By partnering with tribes, environmental organizations can:

• Enhance Conservation Strategies: Incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into modern conservation efforts.
• Promote Biodiversity: Work together to protect endangered species and habitats.
• Address Climate Change: Develop adaptive strategies that draw on Indigenous practices and insights.

Throughout November, we celebrate Native American culture by learning about their diverse traditions, promoting understanding and respect, celebrating achievements, raising awareness, and learning the languages of different tribes. By celebrating these aspects, we honor the past, recognize the present, and support Native American communities. Native American Heritage Month is not only a time for reflection and celebration but also a call to action for environmentalists. By appreciating and incorporating Indigenous knowledge and practices, we can build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

We invite you to follow our friends, 7 Directions of Service, an environmental justice and community organizing collective based on Occaneechi-Saponi lands in the Piedmont Region of NC.