Native American Heritage Month takes place every year in November. It goes back to 1916 when New York became the first state to declare an “American Indian Day.” In 1976 “Native American Awareness Week” first became a national week when President Gerald Ford proclaimed it. In 1990, Congress passed, and President George H.W. Bush signed into law a joint resolution that declared November the first National American Indian Heritage Month.
During Native American Heritage Month, there are many different ways to celebrate. Some examples include community gatherings, cultural festivals, educational events, museum exhibits, film screenings, workshops, community feasts, art showcases, and raising awareness about Native American history, culture, and current issues.
Notre Dame, in particular, celebrates this month through many different clubs and in October. The I am Diverse Club and the Coalition for Diversity, equity, inclusion, and Belonging Student Leadership board get involved. They both host many events during October to commemorate.
The Coalition for Diversity board hosted a collaborative event with the Rainbow Club on Friday, November 15th. Students can learn more about this month and its importance in this event. The clubs broadcasted the short film, In the Land of My Ancestors by Richard Chitness.
G Imazumi Hegeratry, Community Service Coordinator, discusses how Notre Dame gets involved this month. “Notre Dame celebrates Native American Heritage Month and Indigenous Peoples Month in October. Several clubs get involved with that which could be through the I am Diverse Club or Coalition for Diversity, equity, inclusion, and Belonging Student Leadership Board.” Hegeratry adds, “We watched In the Land of My Ancestors, which is a short ten-minute-long film by Richard Chitness”. When asked what her role was during this month, she answered, “I’m an active learner in this month. Hopefully, we all are. I hope each of us goes into this with curiosity and a desire to learn more.”
Overall, the month is an extraordinary one for those who recognize Native American culture and participate in many cultural events.
