First Day of Native American Heritage Month

The first day of Native American Heritage Month is November 1st. President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution in 1990 to designate the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month. The month honors the cultural, historical, educational, and societal contributions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island communities. It also celebrates their traditions, languages, and stories, and honors veterans who have served the nation. 

Congress chose November because it’s a time of celebration and giving thanks that generally follows the end of the traditional harvest season. The month also honors Indigenous peoples who have suffered at the hands of the U.S. government. 

Before the month-long celebration, there was a week-long celebration called American Indian Week in 1986, which took place from November 23–30. The first American Indian Day was celebrated in New York in May 1916, after Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, rode across the country on horseback to get 24 state governments to approve the day. 

Here are some ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month: Participate in Native American cultural events, Explore Native American cuisine, Read Native American literature, Listen to Native American podcasts, and Recognize what Native land you are on.