By: Kylie Quigley
Native American Heritage Month was declared on August 3, 1990, by President George Bush. The bill authorizes “Federal, State, and Local Governments, groups, and organizations and the people of the United States to observe such a month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.” The month aims to bring awareness and provide a platform for Indigenous Peoples in the United States to share their culture that is constantly disrespected and overlooked. In 2012-2019, the President made a Presidential Proclamation that recognized November as National Native American Heritage Month. In 2019, President Donald Trump also proclaimed November 2019 to be National American History and Founders Month which was to celebrate European founders and Colonizers of America. President Trump also issued a formal proclamation recognizing Columbus Day while glazing over Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Many believe that this was an attempt to stifle the voices of Indigenous Peoples. Many also took offense to National American History and Founders Month because of how it can glorify the colonizers and founders who helped steal land and destroy the complex and multi-faceted culture of Indigenous Peoples in the Americas. While the expansion of Europeans into the New World arguably has some good outcomes, for example, the exchange of flora and fauna between the continents, it’s unbecoming to ignore the blatant disregard and disrespect of Indigenous Peoples’ lives, culture, and land. They have been dealt the lower hand for hundreds of years, so here’s what you can do to support Indigenous voices this November:
Follow Indigenous Creators! Here are a few of my favorite from Tiktok:
@tawodi: cosplays, raises awareness about Indigenous issues, and funny videos
@fiiliia: teaches about Indigenous Peoples and raises awareness about Indigenous issues.
@the_land: shares about Indigenous culture and issues
@tiamiscihk: teaches about Indigenous Peoples and raises awareness about Indigenous issues
@nativewomanruns: raises awareness about Indigenous issues and MMIW
@justadisgrace: cosplays and raises awareness about Indigenous issues
@asinaabe: teaches about Indigenous life and practices, answers common questions
@drivesthecommonman: Indigenous musical artist who does covers and produces original music
@navabroisss: teaches about Indigenous issues and answers questions
Read a book by Indigenous authors! Here are some popular titles:
Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
There There by Tommy Orange
The Things She’s Seen by Ambelin and Ezekiel Kwaymullina
The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer
This is Paradise by Kristiana Kahakauwila
Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
Where the Dead Sit Talking by Brandon Hobson
Winter in the Blood by James Welch
Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
Pemmican Wars: A Girl Called Echo by Katherena Vermette and Scott B. Henderson
Lightfinder by Aaron Paquette
Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger
The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson
Simple ways to treat all Indigenous Peoples with respect:
All of this information is from @fiiliia on Tik Tok, who is First Nations.
Make sure to use the correct tribal name or a broad term when referring to Indigenous Peoples. Many people prefer the use of Indigenous Peoples or First Nations because American Indian is a name given to them by Columbus after he mistakenly believed he had arrived in India and Native American is still in reference to Amerigo Vespucci. When using either term, it easily erases the centuries of history that Indigenous People lived in the Americas before the arrival of Europeans. Make sure to capitalize Indigenous Peoples/First Nations and tribal names.
Refrain from using insensitive terms such as Indian or redskin. Refrain from using terms that hold sacred importance in their communities such as totem pole, powwow, chief, spirit animal, etc. Do not wear traditional wear or native dance outfits as a costume. That is a blatant disrespect of someone’s culture and history.
Follow and support Indigenous creators, writers, musicians, artists, etc.
If you buy any Native items, make sure that they are made by Native peoples! Do not support companies and groups that are making money off of someone else’s culture.
Amplifying Native voices is the most important thing you can do. Do not speak for them, let them speak for themselves. Use your platform to support them however you can.
Raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) with Petitions/Donations/Information