In November, Indigenous culture and heritage is celebrated and acknowledged. The purpose of Native American Heritage month is to acknowledge the history and resilience (colonization, broken treaties, cultural destruction/conversion) of Native Americans, celebrate cultural diversity (storytelling and traditions), and amplify contemporary issues Native communities face (tribal sovereignty, protection of reserves, social justice). Native American Heritage Month celebrates and acknowledges the history, diverse culture, and contributions of Native, Alaska and Hawaiian Americans.
Native American Heritage Month started as advocacy for a day of acknowledgement in the 20th century, initially receiving success in select states, such as NY, which eventually led to the first federal acknowledgement of the movement in 1976, when Congress passed a joint resolution proclaiming a week of November as “Native American Awareness Week.” Later, November was established as Native American Heritage Month in 1990, through the pressure of Native leaders and allies and as a joint resolution by President Bush, who proclaimed, federal, state, and local governments, interested organizations/groups, and the people of America should: “observe the month with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.”
Native American culture has shaped American culture in language, agricultural practices, and government influence. As students or staff of Shawnee High School and residents of Medford Township, native culture is prevalent in our community. Shawnee High School is named after the historic Shawnee tribe, translating in English to “Southerners.” Their homeland was in the Ohio River Valley. The Shawnee tribe was noted for resistance against American Expansion. Alongside this, off Tuckerton Road, is a New Jersey’s staple: Wawa. Wawa is derived from the Lenni Lenape tribes’ description for “Wild Goose,” hence the goose mascot.
While we may just celebrate these contributions in the month of November, it is important to know and recognize the multitudinous influences Native and Indigenous cultures have shaped America as a whole. Learn more about Native American Heritage Month here.
