Native American Heritage Month takes place annually in November, a time to recognize and honor the culture, traditions, history, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States. Despite making up approximately 2.5% of the total U.S. population, Native Americans have a rich history and have made significant contributions to this nation’s history.
However, there’s historically been an absence of understanding of Native Americans’ history and cultural contributions; therefore, many aspects of their history and cultural experiences have been lost through being forgotten or by oversimplification into myths and stereotypes.
This lack of an authentic portrayal of Native American history impacts people’s perspectives on Native American Heritage Month and Thanksgiving. Many may think they’re respecting their Native American heritage by thanking the “first settlers.” Still, the historical context of the day is often absent when discussing the reality of colonization, the relocation of Native American tribes, and the lasting effects of the experience of Native American peoples in their daily lives.
For this reason, some Natives observe Thanksgiving as a Day of Mourning rather than a celebration. When the whole story is left out of our historical narratives, it shapes how people view Native communities today, ultimately erasing their recognition in the present.
November is the perfect time to learn about the resilience of Native American communities and to honor their traditions. This month is about so much more than turkey, but rather is full of rich history and stories! Here are some tips for celebrating Native American Heritage Month in a fun and respectful way.
Experience Indigenous Art
Indigenous art isn’t only lovely. It provides a way for Native peoples to share the stories, histories, and lived experiences that are specific to them, which can be both heart-wrenching and uplifting.
Across North America, Native artists use media such as painting, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, music, and film to express their unique perspectives and cultural traditions. The best part is you don’t have to visit a museum to experience this!
There are many galleries, online exhibitions, and social media platforms that provide a space to showcase the work of Indigenous artists, allowing you to easily view and appreciate the work of artists representing hundreds of Native American nations. Supporting Indigenous art (viewing, sharing, or purchasing) helps amplify the voices of Native peoples and keeps their culture visible year-round.
Celebrate Native Authors
Perhaps one of my personal favorite ways to recognize and celebrate Native American Heritage Month is through reading Native American literature. One of my favorite Indigenous authors is Joy Harjo, a poet and member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation who was the first Native American to serve as United States Poet Laureate.
During an interview, she stated how “things build up, pieces of dreams, images, something somebody said, history, something that needs to be carried forward…” about her process when creating her poems.
Harjo has a remarkable ability to create poems that draw on her personal experiences, while exploring Native American ideas of land, memory, and resilience. Her work is a reminder of the critical role of Indigenous voices in literature. If you’re seeking a way to honor Native American Heritage Month, I’d encourage you to read Harjo’s poetry and seek out other Indigenous authors whose stories resonate with you.
Know the Land You Stand on and Show Up
The land beneath your feet has been in use long before you used it; originally, it was owned, cared for, and maintained by Native American communities and tribal lands. Learning the history of the land will allow us to honor those who lost their homes (their land), as well as deepen our relationship with the land we live on today and are responsible for.
One of the most important ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month is to be present and take part. Seek out and join your local cultural events, workshops, panels, and performances that showcase Native American voices.
Honor Natives, Not Fast Fashion
It’s easy to fall for Native designs from major fashion companies, but it doesn’t support Native Americans. I personally think it’s excellent to support genuine Native owned businesses rather than the fast-fashion retailers who profit from exploiting Native American culture for financial gains.
In addition to the theft of sacred patterns and cultural dress styles from Indigenous designers, fast-fashion retailers have also significantly profited at the expense of Native artists, small business owners, and Native communities whose traditional and cultural expressions are viewed as trendy ideas rather than traditions.
The choice to purchase items from Native-owned businesses honors the creative forces behind these products, rather than the corporate entities that profit at their expense.
Honor Resilience and Recognize History
Honoring Indigenous peoples also means recognizing the struggles they’ve endured and continue to endure. The results of colonization, forced removals, broken agreements, and inequitable systems in place have resulted in long-lasting damage to Native American communities.
Part of honoring these communities is understanding what happened historically and how those historical events have shaped the current issues they face, such as land ownership, access to education, and healthcare.
There are many ways to honor and support the work of Indigenous peoples in their quest for social justice and equality, including educating ourselves and others, listening, and giving them a voice.
Why This Month Matters
While Native American Heritage Month can be seen as another moment in history, I see it as an opportunity for recognition, reflection, and amplification of Native voices. This month allows people to learn about and appreciate the many histories and cultures of Native Americans who are so frequently overlooked, erased, and reduced to oversimplified representations.
Dedicating time to understanding Native American experiences and celebrating their contributions will help move beyond mere recognition toward meaningful actions of respect, awareness, and advocacy.
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