Native American Heritage month
Join us this November as we celebrate Native American Heritage month. The purpose and goal of its observance was outlined by President Biden in a recent white house press briefing: “During National Native American Heritage Month, we recognize the invaluable contributions of Native peoples that have shaped our country and honor the hundreds of Tribal Nations who continue exercising their inherent sovereignty as vital members of the overlapping system of governments in the United States [1].”
While Native Americans have inhabited the US for thousands of years, their culture and many contributions, have not always been recognized, or treated with respect and dignity. One step towards rectifying this, was the official designation of November as Native American heritage month, by President George H. W. Bush in 1990 [2]. The influence of Native Americans has touched every aspect of American life. For example, the names of over 50% of US states have Native American origins. In fact, Iowa’s name originated from the Iowa tribe [2]. Additionally, the Sioux, Meskwaki, Sauk and Potawatomi tribes have called Iowa home.
This November is a great time to reflect on how Native American culture and traditions have enriched American society. Native Americans serve the US armed forces in greater numbers than any other ethnic group [1]. Culturally they have left us with inventions and foods such as kayaks, corn, rubber, snow goggles, hammocks, cable suspension bridges, syringes, mouthwash and medicines such as pain relievers and oral contraceptives [3]. If you’d like to find out more or get involved in the celebration, please see the links below.
[2] https://www.dsmpartnership.com/news-media/blog/native-american--native-alaskan-heritage-month-2021
[3] https://www.history.com/news/native-american-inventions
[4] https://studentlife.uiowa.edu/celebrations/native-american-heritage-month