Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) in the United States. NAHM is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in the US. 

Little Cheiis breaks down the history of Native American Heritage Month.

As we know, Indigenous Peoples in the U.S. rarely get the national platform that November provides each year to invite the rest of the country to learn about and celebrate us.

But one month is not enough. We don’t put on our identities on November 1, nor put them away when December rolls around. The challenges we face don’t suddenly end, nor do the traditions we practice. We are who we are all year long.

Nor are Native Americans the only group of Indigenous people worth celebrating. Indigenous Peoples in the U.S. and around the world -- whether Quechua or Ainu, Native Hawaiian or Aboriginal Australian -- are some of the Earth’s fiercest protectors and advocates. We have much to celebrate.

You can read more about NAHM from NDN Collective.

Maori people in the middle of the circle at the Indigenous People's Annual Thanksgiving Sunrise Gathering.

Photo by Jeremy Dalmas / KALW NEWS

That’s why The Chapter House sees NAHM as an opportunity to kick off a celebration of Indigenous Peoples that will continue long after November ends. We have some upcoming events to celebrate through art and community. First up, our panel discussion “Indigeneity in the 21st Century,” moderated by Sharen Kickingwoman and featuring Indigenous artists, activists, and scholars like Mercedes Dorame, Janae Collins, Kohar Avakian, Danae Shanidiin, and Sam Slater. Other upcoming events include virtual film screenings, fun (and informative) videos, and more!

You can keep up-to-date on all our events by following us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can also check out the calendar on our website for details about events from TCH and other Native organizations. 

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far to help us organize these great programs. We look forward to continuing to unify, empower, and celebrate Native Peoples long past November. Your donations help us organize events and compensate those who are sharing their expertise, knowledge, arts, and labor with all of us. 

Water protectors at Standing Rock.