Native American Heritage Month

by Becca, Main Library

​With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s an important time to learn more about the indigenous people of the United States, understand what exactly we are celebrating during this holiday (did you know some Native Americans refer to Thanksgiving as a Day of Mourning?), and challenge some of our long-held beliefs about the history of the United States.

Here are some simple ways you can celebrate Native American Heritage Month this year and learn more about the indigenous people of the United States:

1. Challenge yourself to explore Native American history with your family during the Thanksgiving holiday. Ask questions and do your research together!
2. Instead of spending loads of money on Amazon during Black Friday, consider supporting the Urban Indian Center or buying from Native-owned businesses.
3. Read a book by a Native American author. This list from The City Library has materials for children, teens, and adults!
4. Raise awareness about Native American Heritage Month by mentioning it on your social media accounts.
5. Check out the Voices of Indigenous TikTok.
6. Learn about Traditional Foods. Ask your family to incorporate nutrient dense foods in Thanksgiving meals and minimize food waste this holiday season.
7. Learn more about the problem with race-based mascots and use your voice to speak up!
8. Watch this video about the term “Two-Spirit.” (Two-Spirit is an umbrella term used to describe Native and Indigenous people whose gender identity encompasses both male and female energies. Within the Native community it is recognized as a third gender since it falls outside of the two-gender binary. Two-Spirit people may or may not be LGBTQ-identified.)
9. Play these free PBS documentaries about Native American Heritage during Thanksgiving for your whole family to view and talk about.
10. Learn about the history of the land we live on. Read The City Library’s Land Acknowledgement here:
    
    

​Share with us in the comments what you plan to do to celebrate Native American Heritage Month this year. Did you learn anything new from the resources above?

We’d love to hear from you!