November is Native American Heritage Month

November 11, 2024

National Native American Heritage Month was recognized federally for the first time in the United States in 1990. However, the creation of Native American Heritage Month traces its roots back to New York State at the turn of the twentieth century, and specifically to the Seneca archaeologist, Dr. Arthur C. Parker. As the director of the Rochester Museum and Science Center, Parker fought for a federal recognition day for Native Americans throughout the early 1900s. In no small part due to his advocacy, New York became the first state to recognize “American Indian Day” in May 1916—a first step on the path to the month-long recognition we have today.

Today, Native American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to reckon with our past and to reflect on the treatment of Indigenous people throughout American history. During Native American Heritage Month, it is important not just to celebrate the legacy that Indigenous history makers have left, but also to celebrate those who continue to shape our society, lead their communities, and impact our culture today. This month, and all year long, we celebrate these barrier-breaking Native Americans, like Marine Colonel Nicole Mann, who became the first female Native American to travel to space in October 2022, and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who became the first Indigenous Cabinet member in U.S. history in 2021, among countless others.

This year the BC Media Class decided to help celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Check out the graphics below that we will add to throughout the month.

Made by Kinsley Cadwallader and Sophia Anson