Native American Heritage Month

By: Khloe Bickford

Native Americans have left a huge mark on the world just from being the first people to inhabit the United States.

Throughout the years, so much of their original culture is passed down.  This includes food, music and clothing.

In some parts of North Carolina, Native American tribes still exist.  Other places aren’t as fortunate.  Native Americans continue to share their culture with these places.  The places who aren’t as lucky to share a space with these Native Americans should take the time to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.

Native Americans struggled for many years just to get a day of recognition.  In 1990, President George H. W. Bush designated November as Native American Heritage Month.

There are many different names used for the holiday depending on the region.  For example, Alaska uses “Alaska Native Heritage Month.”  

When we picture Native Americans, we think of giant headdresses and extravagant outfits.  That’s not all they were.  Most of the time, extravagant outfits and headdresses were only used on special occasions or during special events.  

The NCAI (National Congress of American Indians) wants more people to use Native American Heritage month as an opportunity to educate and inform people on the real lives of American Indians and their culture.

There are many groups who are dedicating their time to the Native American tribes. They participate in the DC Native Public Relations Roundtable.

The DC Native Public Relations Roundtable meets monthly to make sure communication is working through the tribes.  They try to prevent any arguing or disagreements between tribes.

Teachers should really get behind the idea of using November as Native American Heritage Month. It is more than just a time to educate about how a bunch of humans gathered around a table and ate food.