Native American Heritage Month* is observed every November to honor the rich culture and traditions of Native Americans. It’s also a time to celebrate Native culture through the exploration of art, music, food, and more. While the contributions, accomplishments, and culture of Native Americans should be acknowledged and celebrated all everyday, this month provides a time to renew your focus on learning more about the Indigenous community in your area. We’ve complied a list of ways to help get you started celebrating this Native American Heritage Month.
Explore Native Heritage
- Native American Heritage Day at Nankin Mills Park on November 17
- Native Warrior: A Conversation with One of the Last Living Navajo Code Talkers a United States Capitol Historical Society webinar on November 17 (a recording will be posted following the event)
- Native Cinema Showcase: films available on demand from November 18-25
- The Intersection of Food and Mental Health: Food Trauma, Resilience, and Flourishing in AI/AN Communities on November 21 at Oakland University
- Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian virtual tour on November 27th
- Native American Heritage Month Cooking Demonstration video
Learn Native History
- Zoom: Native American Boarding Schools hosted by Lyon Township Public Library
- Native Knowledge 360° recordings
- Check out the exhibits are the Michigan History Museum
- Visit the Nokomis Learning Center
Buy From Native American-Owned Business
- Native American-Owned Businesses in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor
- 20 Indigenous and Native-Owned Businesses You Need to Know About
- 12 Indigenous-Owned Businesses to Shop this Holiday
- Native Wonders Gifts & Gallery – A family-owned and run gallery in Windsor, the owner is of Odawa descent.
Native-led Organizations to Support
- First Nations Development Institute
- National Indian Child Welfare Association
- Native American Rights Funds
- Native Ways Federation
Other Ways to Support
- Research Native American history and culture in your community.
- Read Native literature.
- Support Native artists and musicians.
Most importantly keep learning and reflecting and remember that the challenges Native communities face are ongoing, not just history. Incorporate anti-racism and anti-colonialism into everyday action, not just during Native American Heritage month.
*Native American Heritage Month is the title used in official government proclamations for the month and therefore the purpose of this blog. However, it is important to acknowledge that some members of the community prefer the usage of other terms such as Indigenous, First Nations, etc. The best practice is to use specific tribal names but this is not always possible. For more information read The Impact of Words and Tips for Using Appropriate Terminology.
