Indigenous peoples are the first Americans of this country. In Colorado, we occupy the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute Nations. The month of November is established as Native American Heritage Month, and was formalized in 1990 during the Bush administration, and continues to be established through presidential proclamations since. November is a time to recognize, honor, and celebrate the diverse traditions, cultures, and languages of the first Americans. In addition, to honor our Native American veterans and service members who have courageously served and continue to serve in the armed forces. This is a time for individuals to learn and acknowledge the significant sacrifices and contributions Native Americans faced and overcame, both historically and presently. Today there are over 574 Native American sovereign Tribal nations here in the United States, each with many enrolled citizens.

In DPS, we are honoring this cultural moment with celebration of our Native community and through learning.

Here are some key facts to share about Native American Heritage Month:

Rich Cultural Diversity

Native Americans are not a single monolithic group but consist of over 570 federally recognized tribes, each with its own languages, customs, and traditions.

Ancient History

Native American cultures have a history on the continent dating back thousands of years. Some tribes, like the Hopi and Navajo, have lived in the same region for over a thousand years.

Stewards of the Land

Native American communities have often been deeply connected to the environment, emphasizing sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

Contributions to Agriculture

Native Americans were early agricultural pioneers, developing crops such as maize, beans, and squash, which are staples in many diets today.

Iroquois Confederacy

The Iroquois Confederacy, a group of Native American tribes in the Northeast, influenced the development of the U.S. Constitution with their system of governance.

Code Talkers

During World War I and World War II, Native American code talkers used their languages as unbreakable codes to help secure communications for the U.S. military.

Art and Craftsmanship

Native Americans have a rich tradition of art and craftsmanship, including pottery, basket weaving, beadwork, and intricate designs in clothing and jewelry.

Literary Contributions

Native American literature, including works by authors like Sherman Alexie and Louise Erdrich, has made significant contributions to American literature.

Leadership

Prominent Native American leaders like Wilma Mankiller, Sitting Bull, and Chief Joseph have made lasting impacts through their advocacy for Native rights.

Challenges and Resilience

Native American communities have faced historical injustices, including forced removal from ancestral lands and the legacy of the Indian Boarding School era. Despite these challenges, they have shown remarkable resilience and continue to advocate for their rights and cultural preservation.

Cultural Revival

Efforts to revitalize Native American languages and cultural practices are ongoing, contributing to the preservation of these vital aspects of Native American heritage.

Sovereign Nations

Many Native American tribes maintain a unique legal status as sovereign nations within the United States, with their own self-governance and legal systems.

Land Acknowledgments

It's important to acknowledge the ancestral lands on which schools and communities are located and to pay respect to the traditional stewards of those lands.

Recognition and Respect

 Celebrating Native American Heritage Month is a way to recognize and respect the important role that Native Americans have played and continue to play in American society.

Education and Awareness

Native American Heritage Month serves as an opportunity to educate and raise awareness about Native American history, cultures, and contributions, promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding.