by Kaelyn Bailey, 7th Grade
Each November, communities across the United States celebrate Native American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to honoring the diverse histories, cultures, and achievements of indigenous people.
What started as a single day of recognition over a century ago has grown into a nationwide month of education, celebration, and reflection.
From the Cherokee and Navajo Nations to the Lakota, Iroquois, Hopi, and tons of other tribes, Native Americans have shaped the country’s history long before the United States existed.
This month highlights their impact on art, government, agriculture, science, and land ownership, while also acknowledging the struggles they have faced, including forced removal, broken treaties, loss of homelands, and discrimination.
Schools, museums, and cultural centers are using the month to teach history that has often been overlooked. Many perform traditional dance performances, film screenings, and storytelling events led by Native educators and elders.
Social media has also become a powerful space for Native creators to share their languages and modern achievements.
Native leaders say that recognition must go beyond the calendar. Natives’ are still here in the United States, working as educators, artists, scientists, athletes, leaders and more.
Young Native Americans are continuing traditions while shaping culture. Many tribes are reviving lost languages, restoring ceremonial activities, and leading environmental conservation efforts.
In recent years, more Native American authors and actors have gained national recognition, bringing authentic stories to famous media.
“Life today is still pretty hard for people who still live on a reservation,” said Mrs. Pierce, the librarian here at Noe.
Many Native American people still live together on a reservation, with many facing hardships.
Students learning about Native American Heritage Month are encouraged to explore tribal histories of their specific region.
Across the country, people need to know Native American Heritage Month is not only a celebration. It is a reminder of resilience, identity, and the fight that is ongoing for visibility and rights.
If you want to look further into Native American history you can go into the Noe library, where Mrs. Pierce has made sure to include a variety of books to inform and celebrate this month.