Celebrating American Indian Heritage Month

American Indian Heritage Month is celebrated every November to honor the rich cultures and traditions of Native Americans. This year's theme, "Stronger Together: Honoring the Resilience of Native Peoples," celebrates the strength and resilience of Native Americans as they continue to thrive and preserve their cultures in the face of challenges.

With a history dating back thousands of years, Native Americans encompass over 573 federally recognized tribes in the United States. Each tribe boasts its own unique culture, language, and traditions. Native Americans have made significant contributions to American society across a wide spectrum, including art, music, literature, science, and business.

Let's take a moment to recognize a few remarkable American Indians and their contributions:

Wilma Mankiller (Cherokee) was a trailblazer as the first woman to be elected chief of a major Native American tribe. During her tenure, she dedicated herself to enhancing the lives of the Cherokee people by expanding economic opportunities, improving access to education, and healthcare.

Russell Means (Oglala Lakota) was not only a Native American activist but also a prominent actor. As a leader in the American Indian Movement (AIM), he played vital roles in significant protests and demonstrations, including the 1969 occupation of Alcatraz Island and the 1973 Wounded Knee incident. Means also left his mark in the world of film, starring in renowned works like "The Last of the Mohicans" and "Natural Born Killers."

Jim Thorpe (Sac and Fox Nation, Potawatomi Nation), often regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, secured two gold medals at the 1912 Summer Olympics. Despite having them initially stripped due to his prior professional baseball career, Thorpe was rightfully reinstated into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983.

John Herrington (Chickasaw Nation), a retired United States Navy pilot and astronaut, made history as the first Native American to journey into space, participating in the Space Shuttle Atlantis mission STS-113 in 1993. Herrington actively advocates for STEM education among Native American youth, encouraging them to pursue careers in science and engineering.

Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) carved her name in history as the first Native American woman to serve in the United States Congress. An unwavering advocate for Native American rights and environmental protection, Haaland has worked tirelessly to pass legislation safeguarding sacred Native American sites and resources.

Sharice Davids (Ho-Chunk Nation) made history as one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, alongside fellow Native American Deb Haaland. Her election also marked her as the first openly LGBTQ+ Native American woman to join Congress. She now represents Kansas' second district, with a strong focus on public education and affordable higher education.

Joy Harjo (Muscogee Creek Nation), a poet, musician, and performer, is the current Poet Laureate of the United States. Her work delves into themes of Native American identity, culture, and resilience, with several acclaimed books of poetry, including "How We Became Human" and "Crazy Brave."

Buffy Sainte-Marie (Cree), a renowned singer-songwriter, musician, and activist, is celebrated for her protest songs and her efforts to raise awareness of Native American issues. She boasts numerous awards for her music, including a Grammy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

These are just a few of the many notable American Indians who have made significant contributions to American society. During American Indian Heritage Month, we honor the resilience and strength of Native Americans, and we celebrate their rich cultures and traditions.