National Native American Heritage Month

During the month of November we observe National Native American Heritage Month. You may have already seen our displays around the library of various books, movies, and music to celebrate this month, but if you are looking for a little bit more information and a few more title recommendations, please read below.

A Brief History of the Month

According to the official U.S. government website dedicated to this observed month, “What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose. […] The first American Indian Day in a state was declared on the second Saturday in May 1916 by the governor of New York. Several states celebrate the fourth Friday in September. In Illinois, for example, legislators enacted such a day in 1919. Presently, several states have designated Columbus Day as Native American Day, but it continues to be a day we observe without any recognition as a national legal holiday. […] In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 ‘National American Indian Heritage Month.’ Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including ‘Native American Heritage Month’ and ‘National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month’) have been issued each year since 1994.”

To learn even more about the history and rich cultures of Native American tribes across the American and Canadian lands, please click HERE.