Native American Heritage Month
Each November since 1990 we honor Native American Heritage Month in the US, recognizing the significant contributions the first Americans made to the land now known as the United States of America. What began as a singular day in the early 1900s known as “American Indian Day” has transformed into a month-long celebration of the traditions, languages, stories, and histories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. Through the years, much of native history has been told through the lens of dominant western culture. Native American Heritage Month serves as an opportunity to change this narrative, allowing a platform for native individuals to showcase talents and abilities and share their own stories.
Terminology
The term Native American refers to the first people of what is now known as the United States. You may have also heard terms such as Alaska Native, Hawaiian Native, or Indigenous used interchangeably, but find yourself confused on when to use which term.
Let’s break it down:
The US Census defines the category of American Indian and Alaska Native as “having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America) and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.”
You should use Native American when referring to people who were living on the land that is now the United States prior to European contact, as well as their descendants. By the census definition, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander Americans are categorized separately, and should be referred to as such.
Indigenous refers to any group of people with pre-existing sovereignty who lived together in an area prior to it being settled or colonized. Indigenous populations exist on every continent except Antarctica. It is the broadest term to describe native peoples and therefore the most inclusive.
Keep in mind that, whenever possible, it is best practice to use the name of a person’s particular nation of people or indigenous community. For example, someone who is descendant of the Indigenous peoples of Southeastern Woodland region of the US could be called Native American or Indigenous but could be more specifically referred to as Cherokee.
To learn more about Native American Heritage Month and celebrate the cultural impact of Native American individuals, visit your local Stark Library branch or bookmobile and check out our displays, programs, and booklists specially curated to offer rich learning experiences throughout the month. You’ll be glad you did!
Look for our custom-created Native American Heritage Month sticker and Resource Sheet at a Stark Library near you!
-Article by Hannah V., Library Specialist - Adult Services at Main
