The idea of dedicating time to honor Native peoples dates back more than a century. In 1916, New York became the first state to declare an “American Indian Day," following the efforts of Red Fox James of the Blackfeet Nation, who traveled across the country to gather support. Decades later, in 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution officially designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month. Since then, every president has reaffirmed its importance through annual proclamations.
Today, the observance is widely recognized as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, honoring not only Native nations across the continental U.S., but also Alaska Native communities, Native Hawaiians, and Indigenous peoples of island territories.
This month serves many purposes. It is a time to celebrate contributions—from languages and governance systems to agricultural knowledge, military service, and the arts. It is also a call to preserve history, protecting Native languages, sacred sites, and cultural practices for future generations. Through education and awareness, schools, museums, and community organizations host powwows, storytelling events, art exhibits, and lectures that share Indigenous perspectives. And it is a moment to recognize resilience, acknowledging the challenges Native communities have faced while celebrating their strength and ongoing achievements.
In essence, American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month is both a celebration and a reflection—an opportunity to honor the deep cultural roots of Indigenous peoples, recognize their vital role in shaping the United States, and help their stories and traditions thrive for generations to come.