As November unfolds, it brings us a time of gathering, especially at Thanksgiving. Beyond these familiar traditions, this month carries a much deeper significance: Native American Heritage Month (NAHM). This month, we take the time to recognize, honor, and celebrate indigenous communities. Here on campus, a full schedule of events have been planned to to engage with the culture.
As we honor the special month, it is helpful to understand the terminologies. The terms “Indian,” “Native American,” and “Indigenous” are used interchangeably, but “Native” is frequently preferred and considered most respectful. Yet, with a diverse number of 574 federally recognized tribes in the US, the most respectful approach is to use specific tribal names whenever possible.
The month choice for the celebration is deeply intentional. Historically, November is a time when Native American tribes would gather for cultural, spiritual, and social events. It is also usually the end of the traditional harvest season, considered sacred in many Native American cultures as a symbol of a reciprocal relationship with the land. Early advocates pushed for this time to widely recognize and celebrate Native American culture.
Early proponents for a one-day celebration include Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian historian who persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for recognition. Another is Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian who rode horseback from state to state to seek approval for it. A year later, New York declared the first American Indian Day, which eventually led to President George H.W. Bush signing a joint resolution in 1990 to designate November as “National American Indian Heritage Month”, creating the observance we have today.
Like for previous commemorative months, the Bridge Center is a key advocate for the celebration, especially as our town is on the ancestral homeland of Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux) and Yankton Dakota nations. Celeste Ryan, Director of Intercultural Development, states, “To celebrate, understand, and learn more about the Americans who lived way long before we did is so important.”
The month is especially important for students who identify with the culture. Courtney Haahr, a junior Bridge Scholar, states that the month provides an “outlet for education, not only [a way] to educate those who don’t identify as Native American, but also to educate those who do.” She adds that previous NAHM events have given her opportunities to build community and learn about who she is.
To help students celebrate, the Bridge Center and SAC have a diverse lineup of events. SAC’s Passport Café series came back, featuring Sioux Teas with peppermint, raspberry, and cedar flavors. Later in the month, there will be a special movie showing of “Indian Horse” on Nov. 24 at 7 PM in the Bridge Center Lounge. The film follows the powerful story of a Native Canadian boy, Saul Indian Horse, as he survives residential school and life in the midst of racism in the 1970s.
Opportunities for engagement also extend outside NW. USD has invited our community to their annual native fashion show on Nov. 19 at 6 PM!
November is a special time to honor Native culture. It is an invitation for us to be well-informed and educated about whose land we are standing on. We have several departments on campus providing resources to do so, and the only step left is for us to intentionally take part and celebrate.
