The month of November is known for Native American people and their culture. To teach and remind people of the contribution Native people have given to the United States.
It is important to realize what others do and contribute to our everyday lives. I am grateful for what was given to us long ago. The importance of their history and traditions is why we celebrate in the month of November.
In 1990, President George W. Bush declared November to be the month of Native American heritage. The Native Heritage Project recognized the story of Red Fox James, a Blackfeet native, who presented an endorsement to the white house, was told throughout history.
The endorsement was also from twenty-four state governments that wanted a day would be dedicated to Native American indians.
President Reagan dedicated May 13 as Native Indian day.
When President Bush was in office he signed a joint congressional resolution, which then dedicated the whole month as Native American heritage month.
This was met with controversy as the relationship between the Americans and Natives has been filled with strife from racism and stereotypes throughout the twentieth century and even in present day.
I think it’s very important to recognize the culture and differences, especially with the Native American community with all that they have been through as a people. It is important to recognize the challenges they have faced in the past as well.
Tribes and reservations have faced lack of education, health care, land and resources. This today, is still a challenge and it is important we recognize and advocate for the people in this situation.
It is also a time to make people aware of the different tribes that were, and different tribes that are still around today, such as the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Bishop, Big Valley, Brighton and more. We now refer to this celebration as “American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.”
Twenty one states were recorded to have 100,000 or more American Indian and Alaska Native resident. Presently, several states have designated Columbus Day as Native American Day.
This, I think is appropriate for what has happened in the past with colonization. It is imperative to know their past and what is being done to reservations today. Different events take place during the month of November, such as bringing awareness, sharing tales of ancestors, and tribal dances.
It is a month of mourning those who have passed, and celebrating one’s culture and their heritage. It is celebrating not one tribe but all of them. From all over the states, they celebrate not only their people but all the people from different tribes.
There is such amazing diversity in their heritage and culture. Even if the tribes are different than you and your experiences, it is beautiful when you are learning about their culture and past.
We cannot take away learning what Native Americans have taught us over the years. Native Americans have brought their culture into our traditions with homegrown recipies, merchant items, and lessons that we have brought down to younger generations.
Even though Native Americans come from different states and have different traditions it is still important to indulge in their culture and understand the beautiful uniqueness they have as different tribes.
Priscilla Vargas
Opinions Columnist