National American Indian Heritage Month: Celebrating Culture and Understanding History
The Northwest American Indian Coalition is committed to empowering Native Americans in Oregon by promoting educational and economic opportunities. During November, we embrace this month as a time to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of rich and diverse Native cultures, traditions, and histories. It is also an occasion to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of Native people to communities and the environment across Oregon and the entire nation.
National American Indian Heritage Month presents a valuable opportunity to educate the general public about the tribes and native peoples that have shaped our collective history. It is a chance to raise awareness about the unique challenges Native people have encountered both historically and in the present day. Through sharing these stories, we shed light on the resilience and strength of tribal citizens who have triumphed over adversity.
During this month, we strive to foster a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of Native cultures. We aim to create spaces for dialogue, engagement, and learning, enabling the broader community to appreciate the immense diversity and contributions of Native peoples. By embracing the lessons of the past, we can work together towards a more equitable future, where Native Americans thrive and their voices are amplified.
At the NAIC, we recognize that true progress comes through collaboration and understanding. As we navigate through Heritage Month, we invite individuals from all walks of life to join us in celebrating and honoring the enduring spirit, heritage, and achievements of Native peoples in Oregon and beyond.
8 Things To Do For American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
1. Find out whose land are you on?
Not sure whose land you are on, visit native-land.ca to find out
2. Learn about Tribal history in southwestern Oregon and northwestern California.
Coos History Museum – Home to the Coos County Historical Society, the museum has worked with the Coquille Indian Tribe on education programs and museum exhibits.
Oregon History Project – The Oregon Historical Society’s online resource.
Southern Oregon Historical Society – Based in Jackson County, Ore.
Chetco Valley Museum - is dedicated to discovering, preserving, and sharing the story of the Chetco River and its people.
Southwestern Oregon Research Project – A guide to the archives from the Southwestern Oregon Research Project (SWORP).
1855 Treaty — This is the unratified Oregon Coast Tribes Treaty of 1855, preserved on the website of the Center for World Indigenous Studies. To access it, click the link, then scroll down to a link labeled “46. OR-COAST.TXT.” Click to download the treaty.)
National Museum of the American Indian Native Knowledge 360° Education Initiative
3. Listen to local Indigenous languages
Siletz Language Project includes a talking dictionary, lesson plans and more.
Tolowa Dee-ni’ Wee-ya’-dvn the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation’s language learning resource site online dictionary
Miluk.org – This page features digitized recordings of more than 200 Miluk language words and phrases taken from recordings of Coquille elders Laura Hotchkiss Metcalf and Daisy Wasson Codding. Click the word or phrase to hear how to say it.
Schichils’s Blog – Information and journal entries on the Hanis, Miluk and Siuslaw languages from Patty Whereat-Philips.
Learn Chinook Jargon – Provides information on language classes in Oregon.
Chinook Jargon, the Hidden Language of the Pacific Northwest – A fun and exciting look at the history, current status, and linguistics of Chinuk Wawa. The entire book is free online.
Indian Languages of Western Oregon – Summaries of language families in Western Oregon and the Tribes that spoke them. Includes maps, articles and bibliographies.
4. Learn about surrounding Tribes
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians – Voice of CTCLUSI
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs – Spilyay Tymoo/Coyote News
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation – Confederated Umatilla Journal
The Klamath Tribes (Klamath, Modoc, and Yahooskin) – Klamath News
5. Donate to Indigenous-led organizations whose mission you believe in
Oregon Native American Business Entrepreneur Network (ONABEN)
Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, INC. (NARA)
(More links coming soon)
6. Support Indigenous artists and businesses with your purchasing power
8th Generation is a Seattle-based art and lifestyle brand owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe. Inspired Natives®, not "Native-inspired."
Mike Dangeli Nisga'a Art Works by Mike Dangeli Nisga'a, Tsimshian, Tsetsaut, and Tlingit nations. I’m an Artist and carver.
Dahotra Consulting & Design - Modern websites for Tribal Nations and Organizations
(More links coming soon)
7. Engage in Indigenous-created content: Books, podcasts, movies, and social media influencers
Rock Your Mocs week
Rumble - Indian who rocked the world
John Trudell - Poet. Recording Artist. Actor. Speaker.
(More links coming soon)
8. Resources to further explore issues Tribal governments and people face today.
The First Thanksgiving: Separating Myth From Fact - Ruth Hopkins, a Dakota/Lakota Sioux writer, biologist, attorney, and former tribal judge, breaks down the myths and facts about Thanksgiving and early encounters between Pilgrims and the Wampanoag.
