November can be one of the most occupied months of the year. Many associate November with Black Friday, Thanksgiving, or the break time between Halloween and the winter holidays. However, November is more than that. It is a month of praise and education. November of every year is declared as Native American Heritage Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the traditions, cultures, histories, and prominent figures of the Native people. Moreover, the modern-day celebration also includes educating people of the Native tribes and the challenges they faced in the past and the present. Native Americans have tackled years of obstacles on their own land, therefore it is only appropriate to take a month to sit back and appreciate the Natives of the United States and recognize their achievements.
Now that we understand what Native American Heritage Month is, why should we take part in this month? As mentioned, this month recognizes the history, struggles, and accomplishments of Native Americans, a group that has yet to receive their proper rights and whose history is still not being taught. In addition, students hardly learn about noble Native leaders or other important Native figures and their achievements. One example would be United States Representative Debra Haaland, who became one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress. It is crucial students learn the history of Natives in order to gain a sense of their identity, for this was their land long before the arrival of colonizers. Natives are hardly seen in our government which concerns many, for again, is this not their land? What is more, no indigienous group is as stereotyped and misrepresented as Native Americans; such stereotypes and misrepresentation can be seen in Hollywood films and whitewashed history. The scarce information we learn about Natives within our academic career primarily focuses on the idea that Native Americans were savages, unsophisticated, and uncultured. Students only learn about the very basics of Native life such as the regions they live in and the type of houses they built, but not about how Native Americans were not allowed to keep their children and had to send them to a “reformation” school. The reality is that Native American History Month is a necessity to the progression of education within the United States and the progression of Native American representation and appreciation.
If Native American Heritage Month is so important, how do we as non-Native-Americans celebrate this month without culturally appropriating or disrespecting Native Americans in any way? The first step is to recognize and remind others that this is their land. This was not “discovered” by Christopher Columbus or any other explorer, the land and the people were here before and their land was stolen from them. This leads to the next step which is to educate yourself with sources outside of our education system, due to most of it being whitewashed. The best source for the real history of Natives is to talk to or read articles where elder Natives are the primary source. Native Americans, specifically the elders, are praised for having a mind of steel. Once you find your information and confirm its accuracy, it is equally as important to educate others. No progress can be made with no education. Furthermore, we as non-Natives should be constantly celebrating the achievements of Native Americans who have overcome major conflicts and discrimination, which includes deragatory terms such as “Red Indians” or “Redskins” as those were racist terms used against Native Americans in the past as well as now. Additionally, we should be acknowledging those who have made impressive achievements such as becoming a member of Congress. Finally, respect their culture and traditions by educating yourself on what cultural appropriation is. The definition of cultural appropriation from Oxford Languages is, “the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society”. We should work to avoid cultural appropriation, praise the culture of the Natives, and fight against those who call it unusual or “un-American”.
The truth of the matter is that Native Americans are just as, if not more, American than any other citizen. This is their land, and this is the month where we as loyal and respectful American citizens recognize their significance, value, culture, and achievements.
Written by: Ayat Younis