Native American Heritage Month: Honoring Indigenous Culture

Native American Heritage Month: Historical Significance, DEI Impact, and Corporate America’s Role in Honoring Indigenous Cultures

1. Introduction to Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) is observed annually in November as a time to honor the rich histories, diverse cultures, and numerous contributions of Native American communities. First recognized at the federal level in 1990, NAHM provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the resilience, heritage, and legacies of Indigenous peoples across the United States. Through a range of activities—including cultural events, educational programs, and discussions—NAHM fosters greater understanding of the invaluable role Native Americans have played in shaping American society.

NAHM is also a time to reflect on the ongoing challenges that Native American communities face, including issues related to healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and cultural preservation. While the month is dedicated to celebration and recognition, it also serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts toward justice, equality, and inclusion for Native American communities.

Native American Heritage Month holds particular relevance in the context of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI), both for society at large and within Corporate America. For companies, recognizing NAHM offers an opportunity to promote awareness, cultivate respect, and support initiatives that foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Honoring NAHM within the corporate setting is a meaningful way to engage with Indigenous employees, partners, and communities and to strengthen workplace culture through the celebration of diversity.

This article explores the historical roots of Native American Heritage Month, its significance within DEI, and its impact on Corporate America. Through examining NAHM’s role in advancing understanding, representation, and allyship, we can better appreciate why this observance is essential for all Americans and how it can contribute to a more inclusive future.

2. Historical Context of Native American Heritage Month

Early Advocacy for Native American Recognition

The origins of Native American Heritage Month are rooted in early advocacy by Native leaders and allies who sought to recognize and honor the contributions of Indigenous peoples. The movement for greater recognition began in the early 20th century when Native American activists and their allies worked to counter the erasure of Native 

histories and cultures. One of the earliest champions of Native American recognition was Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca anthropologist who advocated for a day of recognition for Native Americans.

In 1914, Red Fox James, a Blackfeet Indian, traveled on horseback across several states to lobby for a day dedicated to Native Americans. His journey symbolized a broader push for visibility and respect for Native communities, and he received endorsements from 24 state governments in support of a day of recognition. While his efforts did not immediately lead to an established holiday, they laid the groundwork for future observances and highlighted the need for Native voices to be honored.

In 1915, the Congress of the American Indian Association formally approved a plan to create “American Indian Day.” Dr. Sherman Coolidge, an Arapaho and one of the association’s founders, issued a proclamation declaring the second Saturday of each May as American Indian Day. Although this specific day did not achieve widespread observance, the proclamation represented an important step in establishing a dedicated time for honoring Native American contributions.

The Establishment of American Indian Day and State-Level Observances

While efforts to create a National Day of Recognition for Native Americans continued, several states began to recognize American Indian Day at the local level. In 1916, New York became the first state to officially designate American Indian Day, marking a milestone in the movement for Native visibility. Gradually, other states followed suit, adopting American Indian Day as a way to acknowledge Indigenous contributions within their respective regions.

These state-level observances were often organized in collaboration with local Native American communities and included cultural events, ceremonies, and educational programs. These early celebrations played a vital role in challenging stereotypes, promoting cultural understanding, and encouraging dialogue between Native and non-Native communities. By the mid-20th century, more states had adopted American Indian Day, paving the way for broader national recognition.

Native American Heritage Week: A Step Toward National Recognition

The concept of a nationally recognized week to honor Native Americans gained traction in the 1970s, a period of heightened awareness around civil rights and Indigenous sovereignty. In 1976, President Gerald Ford signed a proclamation designating the week of October 10-16 as Native American Awareness Week. This observance aimed to raise awareness of Native American cultures, histories, and issues facing Indigenous communities.

Recognition of Historical Struggles and Resilience

In addition to celebrating Native American culture, NAHM serves as a time to reflect on the historical struggles and resilience of Indigenous communities. For centuries, Native Americans faced systematic displacement, violence, and forced assimilation under federal policies aimed at erasing Indigenous identity and culture. The Indian Removal Act of 1830, the establishment of boarding schools, and the outlawing of Indigenous spiritual practices are just a few examples of the hardships endured by Native communities.

These policies led to generational trauma and have had lasting effects on Native American health, education, and economic opportunities. Despite these challenges, Native communities have demonstrated resilience and a commitment to preserving their cultures, advocating for their rights, and rebuilding their communities. NAHM is a reminder of this resilience and serves as a call for non-Native Americans to support Indigenous efforts to reclaim cultural identity, language, and land rights.

Indigenous Advocacy for Cultural Preservation and Sovereignty

Throughout history, Indigenous leaders and advocates have fought tirelessly for cultural preservation, sovereignty, and recognition. Leaders like Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation, and Vine Deloria Jr., a writer and activist, dedicated their lives to promoting Indigenous rights and raising awareness of Native issues. Native American Heritage Month honors these leaders and their enduring legacies, reminding Americans of the importance of supporting Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.

The principle of sovereignty is central to Indigenous identity and autonomy. Sovereignty allows Native nations to govern their own affairs, manage resources on tribal lands, and make decisions regarding education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. However, Indigenous sovereignty has often been undermined by federal policies and legal battles over land rights, resources, and jurisdiction. During NAHM, it is essential to recognize the importance of sovereignty and to support policies that respect and uphold Indigenous rights.

Native American Heritage Month provides an opportunity for Americans to learn about and support Indigenous advocacy for cultural preservation, sovereignty, and justice. By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by Native communities and celebrating their resilience, NAHM promotes a vision of inclusivity, respect, and partnership between Native and non-Native communities.

3. Importance of Native American Heritage Month in DEI Initiatives

Intersectionality Within Indigenous Identities

Native American communities encompass a wide range of intersecting identities, with diversity spanning gender, ethnicity, language, religion, and tribal affiliations. NAHM highlights the need to recognize and respect this intersectionality within DEI initiatives. Indigenous identities are not monolithic; they represent over 570 federally recognized tribes and hundreds of languages, customs, and histories. From urban Native communities to rural tribal reservations, Indigenous experiences vary widely. Intersectionality also considers the experiences of Native LGBTQ+ individuals, who are known as Two-Spirit within many tribes, honoring gender diversity in a way unique to Native cultures.

DEI efforts during NAHM can promote intersectional approaches by acknowledging the unique challenges that Indigenous individuals face, not only as Native Americans but as individuals navigating overlapping social identities. For example, Native women may experience compounded challenges tied to gender and racial identity, including high rates of violence and disparities in healthcare access. By promoting NAHM, DEI initiatives encourage a more comprehensive understanding of Indigenous communities, fostering empathy and cultural awareness within organizations.

Addressing Stereotypes and Misconceptions

Stereotypes and misconceptions about Native Americans remain deeply ingrained in American society, often reducing Native identities to outdated or simplistic caricatures. These stereotypes ignore the diversity and modern realities of Indigenous communities. Common misconceptions portray Native Americans as either “vanished” or as “relics of the past,” overlooking the vibrant and dynamic contributions Native people make to contemporary society. Additionally, misappropriation of Native symbols and customs, such as the use of Native headdresses as costumes or mascots, perpetuates these damaging stereotypes.

NAHM offers DEI programs an opportunity to educate employees, stakeholders, and the public on the realities of Native American life today. Workshops, cultural presentations, and educational materials can address these misconceptions, dispel myths, and provide accurate representations of Indigenous cultures. DEI initiatives that support NAHM help dismantle harmful stereotypes, fostering an environment where Native voices and identities are respected and accurately represented.

4. Importance of Native American Heritage Month for All Americans

Cultural Significance of NAHM in Celebrating Indigenous Contributions

Native American Heritage Month highlights the profound cultural impact that Native communities have had on American society. Indigenous contributions can be seen across various fields, including literature, music, visual arts, environmental stewardship, and social justice. Celebrating these contributions allows Americans to appreciate the ways Indigenous cultures have influenced American values, such as respect for the land, communal responsibility, and a holistic view of health and wellness.

For example, Indigenous writers such as Joy Harjo, the first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate, have used their work to explore Native identity, resilience, and spirituality. In addition, Indigenous visual artists like Jaune Quick-to-See Smith and Wendy Red Star challenge cultural perceptions through powerful pieces that explore issues of identity, colonization, and community. By celebrating NAHM, Americans are invited to recognize and honor the significant cultural contributions of Native communities.

Fostering Empathy, Allyship, and Unity

NAHM encourages Americans to engage in meaningful acts of allyship with Native communities, fostering empathy and understanding. By learning about Indigenous history, cultural practices, and contemporary issues, Americans can better understand the unique experiences of Native peoples. This awareness fosters a sense of unity, showing that Indigenous challenges are shared by all communities invested in creating a just society.

Community events, storytelling sessions, and educational panels held during NAHM promote empathy and 

connection between Native and non-Native individuals. These activities allow Americans to listen, learn, and participate in discussions that foster cultural exchange and understanding. Through these engagements, NAHM promotes a shared commitment to justice and equality, encouraging Americans to become allies to Native causes year-round.

Indigenous Influence on Environmental Stewardship and Social Values

Indigenous communities have a longstanding connection to the land, with values that emphasize respect, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Native teachings often promote the idea of living in harmony with nature, valuing natural resources, and prioritizing future generations. Indigenous philosophies, such as the “Seventh Generation Principle” in Haudenosaunee culture, advocate for making decisions that will benefit descendants seven generations into the future.

NAHM provides an opportunity for Americans to reflect on these values and consider how Indigenous principles of environmental responsibility can inform current practices. With climate change and environmental challenges at the forefront of global concerns, Indigenous knowledge offers valuable insights for creating sustainable, respectful relationships with nature. By acknowledging Indigenous contributions to environmental stewardship, Americans can adopt practices that honor and protect the land.

Why NAHM Benefits All Americans

Native American Heritage Month is not only a time for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on America’s historical relationship with Indigenous peoples. For all Americans, NAHM serves as a reminder of the importance of confronting historical injustices and working toward reconciliation. Honoring Native heritage promotes healing and fosters a collective commitment to justice, equality, and respect for all cultures.

Observing NAHM benefits all Americans by encouraging a more complete understanding of U.S. history, one that includes Indigenous perspectives, contributions, and experiences. By learning from Native American heritage, Americans can foster a society that values diversity, supports cultural preservation, and promotes unity across all communities.

5. Corporate America’s Relationship with Native American Heritage Month

Corporate DEI Initiatives Supporting NAHM

Corporate America has made strides in recognizing the importance of Native American Heritage Month within DEI initiatives. Companies increasingly observe NAHM by hosting events, offering cultural education, and supporting Indigenous-led projects. These DEI efforts demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, fostering a workplace where Native employees feel valued and where all employees can learn about Indigenous cultures.

Companies observing NAHM may collaborate with Indigenous leaders and cultural experts to create programming that honors Native traditions. By offering opportunities for employees to learn about Native history and participate in cultural events, DEI programs create a more inclusive and respectful workplace. Observing NAHM in Corporate America promotes a culture of allyship and ensures that Indigenous voices are celebrated and acknowledged.

Case Studies of Companies Engaging with NAHM

IBM has made a commitment to supporting Indigenous representation through its DEI initiatives, celebrating Native American Heritage Month with events that promote cultural understanding. IBM collaborates with Indigenous leaders and educators to host panels, discussions, and educational workshops, fostering an inclusive environment where Native voices are respected and valued.

Google actively observes NAHM by organizing events and talks led by Native American employees, artists, and cultural advocates. Google also supports Indigenous communities through its philanthropic arm, Google.org, which funds initiatives focused on language preservation, education, and community development. Google’s approach to NAHM underscores the importance of long-term support and allyship with Native communities.

Patagonia has long been a champion of environmental causes that align with Indigenous values of land stewardship. During NAHM, Patagonia often highlights the work of Indigenous environmental activists and supports projects that protect Indigenous lands. This approach not only honors Native heritage but also reinforces Patagonia’s commitment to environmental responsibility, aligning the company’s values with those of Indigenous communities. 

Benefits of Observing NAHM in the WorkplaceObserving NAHM in the workplace brings numerous benefits, including increased employee engagement, enhanced cultural awareness, and stronger connections among employees. For Native employees, seeing their heritage recognized promotes a sense of belonging and respect, improving job satisfaction and well-being. Celebrating NAHM also fosters cultural awareness, encouraging employees from all backgrounds to learn about Indigenous history and to appreciate the richness of Native cultures.For companies, supporting NAHM enhances brand reputation and strengthens relationships with Indigenous communities. Consumers increasingly value brands that prioritize social responsibility, and observing NAHM signals that a company is committed to inclusivity and respect for all cultures. Additionally, supporting Native communities aligns with corporate values of diversity, equality, and sustainability.