Hi everyone,
November marks Native American Heritage Month, a significant observance dedicated to recognizing the contributions, traditions, and history of Native Americans. This month-long celebration is not just an occasion to honor the first inhabitants of the U.S., but also an opportunity to understand the complex tapestry of cultures they represent.
Historically, Native American Heritage Month originated in 1990, offering a platform for Native communities to share their culture. It's a time to appreciate that numerous states and geographical landmarks are named after Native terms and tribes.
Today, approximately 6.9 million Native Americans reside in the U.S., making up about 2.1% of the population. These communities are incredibly diverse, with 574 federally recognized tribes, each with its unique language and customs. Remarkably, Native Americans serve in the U.S. military at higher rates per capita than any other ethnic group and have made influential contributions to various fields including agriculture and medicine.
To deepen our appreciation, we've planned several educational and cultural activities throughout November. From workshops and performances to film screenings, we invite you to engage in these events. Additional resources will also be accessible on our internal portal.
Let's use this month to respect and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and enduring contributions of Native Americans.
Thank you,
People Team
Hey Team! 👋
Throughout the month of November we’ll be recognizing National Native American Heritage. We’re excited to celebrate the significant contributions and history of Native Americans with you.
- 🪖 Military Service: Native Americans have a long history of military service, enlisting at higher per capita rates than any other ethnic group. Their contributions include serving as code talkers during World Wars I and II, using their native languages to create codes that were never broken.
- 🌳 Environmental Stewardship: Native American tribes have been caretakers of their lands for thousands of years, practicing sustainable farming, hunting, and fishing techniques. Their traditional ecological knowledge has been valuable for modern conservation efforts.
- 🎨 Cultural Contributions: Native Americans have enriched U.S. culture through art, music, dance, and storytelling. Traditional crafts like basketry, beadwork, and pottery are celebrated art forms today.
- 🌽 Agricultural Innovation: Native Americans were the original cultivators of crops like maize (corn), beans, and squash, commonly referred to as the "Three Sisters." These foods are staples in American diets and agriculture.
- 📛 Place Names and Languages: Many U.S. states, cities, and natural landmarks have names derived from Native American languages. Examples include Mississippi, Chicago, and the Appalachian Mountains. In addition, more than 200 Native American languages are spoken in the U.S. today, enriching the country's linguistic diversity.
We’re eager to learn more about Native American history and culture, so we will be holding a lunch-and-learn on Monday, November 13th in the conference room. 🥪 Pack your lunch and join us for an exciting and informative presentation from 12pm - 1pm.
And remember, you can visit museums and Native American historical sites to learn more and support the preservation of their rich culture and history.
Thank you for your dedication to enrichment and celebration of our diverse team! See you at the Lunch & Learn.
Thank you! 🙏
Your People Team
Hi all,
November is National Native American Heritage Month in the United States.
To celebrate and better understand Native American history and culture, we will be holding a lunch-and-learn on Monday, November 13th in the conference room. Please feel free to bring your lunch and join us for an exciting and informative presentation from 12pm - 1pm.
Remember, you can visit museums and Native American historical sites to learn more and support the preservation of their rich culture and history.
Thank you for your dedication to enrichment and celebration of our diverse team.
People Team
How to observe National Native American Heritage Month at work
Every November, the United States celebrates Native American History Month, a time to recognize and honor the cultures, traditions, and significant contributions of Native people. The designation includes not just those in the contiguous US (like American Indians and Alaska Natives), but also those from Hawaii and other US territories.
Acknowledging this history within the workplace is essential for creating an atmosphere where all employees feel appreciated. It provides educational opportunities to debunk stereotypes and can deepen understanding of Native American heritage. Additionally, by highlighting lessons such as resilience, innovation, and reverence for nature that are embedded in Native American culture, it can provide motivation that can help employees expand their perspectives on their work.
The history and significance of Native American History Month:
Native American History Month began in the early 1990s as a way to honor and recognize the dynamic histories of Native American people. The month of November was chosen for its proximity to Thanksgiving, which is commonly viewed as a day celebrating indigenous peoples. Congress passed a joint resolution declaring the second Monday of November “National American Indian Heritage Day” in 1990, and President George H.W. Bush declared the first “National American Indian Heritage Month” in 1990. Since then, each president has issued an annual proclamation recognizing November as Native American Heritage Month.
Ways to observe Native American History Month in the workplace:
1. Host a virtual event featuring a Native American speaker to educate your team on topics such as history and culture.
2. Hold a lunch-and-learn session featuring an expert on Native American culture and history who can engage in dialogue and answer questions from employees.
3. Utilize local resources like museums and historical sites to gain cultural insights into the local community’s history and share those learnings with your team.
A few important facts:
- Agriculture: Many of today's staple crops were first cultivated by Native Americans, including corn, beans, squash, potatoes, and tomatoes. These foods not only shape the American diet but have been adopted in cuisines worldwide.
- Medicine: Native American knowledge of herbal medicine and natural remedies has contributed to modern pharmacology. Plants like willow bark, used by Native Americans for pain relief, led to the development of medicines like aspirin.
- Language: Many American states, cities, and natural landmarks retain Native American names, such as Mississippi, Kentucky, and Yosemite. Additionally, everyday English includes words borrowed from Native American languages, like "raccoon," "tomato," "chocolate," and "avocado."
- Military: The Navajo Code Talkers, who used their native language to develop an unbreakable code during World War II, made significant contributions to the U.S. military.
- Social influence and experience: From sports mascots to Halloween costumes, Native Americans often see their cultures stereotyped or appropriated. This can lead to misinformation and a lack of understanding about Native American cultures and history.
The official website for National Native American Heritage Month: nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov
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