In 1990, President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 as National American Indian Heritage Month. Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including Native American Heritage Month and National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month) have been issued each year since 1994.
First celebrated in 1915 as American Indian Day, it continues to be a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and affiliated Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.
To learn more about NNAHM, the history of the various tribes and Native communities across the country and where you can celebrate and honor American Indians everywhere, visit these sites:
- U.S. Department of the Interior/Bureau of Indian Affairs — Who’s theme this year’s theme is “Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity”
watch | learn | experience
Town Destroyer | Season 11 | Episode 8
Part of the America ReFramed series, “Town Destroyer” probes a passionate dispute over historic murals at a public high school depicting the life of George Washington: slaveowner, General, land speculator, President, and a man Seneca leaders called “town destroyer” after he ordered their villages destroyed during the Revolutionary War. The controversy becomes a touchstone for a national debate over public art and historic memory. Film by Alan Snitow and Deborah Kaufman.
PBS American Experience
In this collection, explore stories celebrating and honoring the history and lives of Native Americans — throughout history.
STORIES FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY
The Power of Native Voices: What to Watch on WORLD in November
25 Best Books by Native American Authors to Add to Your Bookshelf
Discovering Thoughtful Native American Stories With Showrunner Karissa Valencia
Also visit our Maui Strong page, which highlights the Indigenous People of the Hawaiian Island following the August fire.