U.S. Armed Forces surround Ghost Dancers led by Chief Big Foot near Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota, demanding the surrender of their weapons. An estimated 150 Native Americans are killed in the Wounded Knee Massacre.

On December 26, 1862, 38 Dakota men were hanged at Mankato, in the largest mass hanging in U.S. history following the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. This tragic event continues to profoundly affect indigenous communities, leaving a lasting legacy of historical trauma, injustice, and the urgent need for reconciliation and awareness surrounding the deep-seated issues faced by Native American populations in the United States.

Recommended Documentary https://youtu.be/ZLjzUNXMbhM?si=0hOGPAdqYD-q548U

Sitting Bull is killed during a confrontation with Indian police in Grand River, South Dakota.

Manifest Destiny. On December 2, 1845, the concept of Manifest Destiny, rooted in the belief that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable, gained significant traction. Unfortunately, this expansion proved devastating to indigenous communities as it led to forced displacement, cultural assimilation, and the tragic loss of ancestral lands, disrupting the lives and traditions of Native American populations.

Recommended Documentary https://doctrineofdiscovery.org/the-doctrine-of-discovery-unmasking-the-domination-code/

Honoring Native American Heritage Day: Celebrating Resilience, Culture, and Legacy

Native American Heritage Day, observed the Friday after Thanksgiving, is a time for all Americans to reflect on and celebrate the rich cultural heritage, enduring contributions, and vibrant histories of Native peoples across the country. This day is an invitation to honor Indigenous voices, deepen our understanding of tribal history, and recognize the contributions of Native Americans to every corner of American society, from science and technology to art, agriculture, and policy.

The Importance of Native American Heritage Day

Native American Heritage Day stands as a counterpart to the National Native American Heritage Month in November, serving as a focused reminder to respect the resilience, wisdom, and ongoing influence of Native communities. Though rooted in history, this day is also about the present and future—celebrating the contributions Native Americans continue to make and acknowledging the work still needed to address the disparities and challenges facing these communities.

For many, Native American Heritage Day is a chance to go beyond mere acknowledgment, building deeper connections with Native history and culture through learning, sharing, and supporting Native-led initiatives. This understanding and respect help us to appreciate the cultural diversity within Native American communities, as each tribe carries its unique language, traditions, and customs.

Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Knowledge

Native American Heritage Day is an opportunity to celebrate the deep and ancient knowledge systems that have shaped the landscapes of the Americas for millennia. Native agricultural practices, environmental stewardship, and traditional ecological knowledge offer valuable insights into sustainability and resilience, especially in our current times of environmental concern. Native innovation—from complex agricultural systems like those of the Southwest to the sophisticated fisheries management of coastal tribes—continues to be a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of Indigenous peoples.

Today, there is a growing movement to revitalize Native languages, many of which were nearly lost through decades of colonial policies. Language is central to cultural identity, holding within it the knowledge, worldview, and traditions of generations. Tribes across the nation have taken extraordinary steps to reawaken these languages, with language schools, digital archives, and mentorship programs helping younger generations learn and carry on their linguistic heritage.

Recognizing Native Contributions to American Life

From art to cuisine to policy, the influence of Native Americans on American culture is profound. Many foods that are central to American cuisine, such as corn, potatoes, and tomatoes, were cultivated by Indigenous communities long before European contact. Native American music, dance, and art continue to inspire and enrich American culture, celebrated in festivals, museums, and galleries across the country. Native artists, writers, and creators bring unique perspectives to their work, often challenging and expanding mainstream narratives to include Indigenous voices.

In the sciences, Native Americans have contributed to our understanding of everything from environmental conservation to astronomy. Indigenous wisdom is now recognized by many scientists and policymakers as essential to building sustainable solutions to environmental and social challenges, blending traditional knowledge with modern practices for a more holistic approach to issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and water management.

How to Honor Native American Heritage Day

1. Support Native-Owned Businesses: Purchasing from Native-owned businesses and artisans is a way to honor Native cultures and contribute to economic development in Native communities.

2. Learn About Native History and Current Issues: Explore Native American history from Indigenous perspectives and educate yourself on contemporary issues facing Native communities, such as land rights, environmental justice, and health disparities.

3. Engage with Native Art and Literature: Native authors, artists, and creators bring invaluable stories, worldviews, and talent to American culture. Reading Native literature or attending an art exhibit by Indigenous artists can deepen your appreciation for the diversity of Native voices and experiences.

4. Support Cultural and Environmental Preservation: Many tribes work to preserve their lands, waterways, and cultural heritage through nonprofit organizations and cultural preservation initiatives. Supporting these programs helps sustain Native traditions and protect vital ecosystems for future generations.

A Day of Reflection and Respect

Native American Heritage Day is not only a time to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Indigenous communities but also to reflect on the resilience and contributions of Native peoples. It’s a day for learning, respect, and allyship, encouraging Americans to recognize the invaluable impact of Native Americans on the shared history, culture, and future of the United States.

As we honor Native American Heritage Day, let’s move beyond one day of acknowledgment toward a sustained commitment to understanding, respecting, and celebrating Native American cultures, histories, and contributions—ensuring that the legacies of Indigenous peoples continue to shape and inspire our nation for generations to come.

Remembering November 9, 1855: The Coast Reservation Executive Order

On November 9, 1855, President Franklin Pierce signed an executive order that established the Coast Reservation in what is now Oregon. This event marked a significant moment in the history of the Indigenous peoples of the region. The Coast Reservation, later known as the Siletz Reservation, was created as part of the United States government's efforts to forcibly remove Native tribes from their ancestral homelands and relocate them to designated areas.

The Coast Reservation was intended to hold many different tribes, including the Tututni, Siuslaw, Coos, and Alsea, among others. These tribes, each with their own distinct cultures, languages, and traditions, were uprooted and compelled to move to a place far from their original territories. This relocation was not only a loss of land but also an attempt to break the connection that Native peoples had with their sacred landscapes, traditional foods, and cultural practices.

The establishment of the Coast Reservation was a reflection of the U.S. government’s broader policy of assimilation and displacement. For many Native peoples, this reservation was not a refuge, but a place of hardship, loss, and trauma. Families were separated, cultural practices were restricted, and the very fabric of tribal life was challenged.

Despite these immense challenges, the resilience of the tribes remains evident today. The descendants of those who were forced onto the Coast Reservation have persevered, keeping their cultures, languages, and histories alive. The memory of November 9, 1855, is a reminder of the painful past, but it is also a testament to the strength and endurance of the Indigenous peoples of Oregon.

As we reflect on this history, it is important to acknowledge the ongoing impacts of these policies and to honor the enduring connection that Native peoples have to their homelands. The story of the Coast Reservation is a story of resilience, survival, and the unbroken ties between people and place.

This year's International ShakeOut Day is October 17, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home!

At 10:17 a.m. (local time) on 10/17, you can join millions of people across the world practicing earthquake safety.

While we encourage participation with everyone, you can register your ShakeOut drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice. You can also include people in multiple locations through video conferencing.

October 17, 1984 is the day that President Ronald Reagan signed Public Law 98-481, restoring federal recognition to the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI). This was the result of a long legal, moral, and legislative battle by the Tribe

Indigenous People's Day: Honoring Resilience, Demanding Justice, and Celebrating Culture

Today, on Indigenous People's Day, we join Native communities across Turtle Island in celebrating the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. This day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of resilience, a celebration of cultural survival, and a call to action for justice, truth-telling, and recognition of Indigenous sovereignty.

For many Tribal citizens, Indigenous People's Day holds deep emotional significance. It is a day to uplift our voices, celebrate our traditions, and honor our ancestors who carried our ways through times of immense challenge. It is a time to tell our stories—stories that have too often been silenced—and to share the beauty of our living cultures, our traditional knowledge, and our continued stewardship of the land and waters.

However, this day also comes with a deep awareness of the controversy surrounding its shared history with Columbus Day. For years, Indigenous voices have called for an end to the glorification of Christopher Columbus, whose arrival in the Americas marked the beginning of centuries of oppression, dispossession, and violence against Native peoples. Celebrating Columbus Day ignores the atrocities committed against Indigenous communities and perpetuates harmful myths of "discovery." It is time for an honest reckoning with history—a history that must acknowledge the pain, suffering, and injustice inflicted on Native peoples, and one that must honor the resilience and strength of Indigenous nations.

By replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous People's Day, we are taking meaningful steps toward reframing history and acknowledging the truth of our experiences. This change allows us to honor the resilience of our ancestors and to highlight the ongoing strength of Native communities today. It is about shifting the narrative to reflect the true history of these lands and the critical role that Indigenous people continue to play in shaping our world. But we must go beyond symbolic gestures—we must push for systemic changes that respect Indigenous rights, uphold treaty obligations, and ensure that Indigenous voices are heard and respected in all areas of decision-making.

For the Northwest American Indian Coalition (NAIC), today is a day to come together in community—to sing our songs, share our dances, and reaffirm our commitment to the wellbeing of future generations. But it is also a day to demand justice—to call for the dismantling of systems that continue to oppress Indigenous communities, to fight for the return of stolen lands, and to ensure that our children grow up in a world that values and respects their identities. We see this day as a bridge, one that helps to heal the wounds of the past and brings us closer to a world that values and respects Indigenous sovereignty, culture, and knowledge.

We recognize that for many, this is a time of learning and reflection. It is an opportunity to support Native-led initiatives, listen to the voices of Indigenous people, and become allies in the work toward justice and equity. We encourage everyone to take time today to learn more about the history and contributions of the original inhabitants of this land and to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities by advocating for meaningful change.

Indigenous People's Day is a reminder of the work still to be done. As we celebrate today, we remember those who came before us and those who will come after us. We invite our community and allies to join us in continuing this journey of healing, education, and action. Let us confront the painful truths of our shared history, demand justice for Indigenous peoples, and work together to build a future where all Native communities thrive.

From all of us at NAIC, we wish you a meaningful Indigenous People's Day. Together, let us celebrate the beauty and strength of Indigenous cultures, fight for justice, and continue the work for truth, recognition, and respect for Native peoples everywhere.