National Native American Heritage Month, otherwise referred to as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, is recognized in November to honor Native communities for their cultures and traditions while raising awareness about the unique historical and present-day struggles of Indigenous people in the US.
November was designated “National Native American Heritage Month,” in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. American Indians and Alaska Natives make up about 2 percent of the total US population, totaling approximately 6.9 million in 2019. The states with the highest populations of Indigenous persons are Arizona, California, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, North Carolina, and Alaska, in that order.
In our pursuit of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), it is essential to celebrate the rich heritage and history of Native American cultures. The Indigenous peoples of this land have an invaluable legacy that is deeply woven into the fabric of our society. Understanding and honoring their traditions is not just a matter of historical significance, but a crucial step toward creating a more inclusive and equitable world.
Acknowledging Diversity within Native American Tribes
Native American culture is not a monolith; it’s a kaleidoscope of diverse traditions, languages, and customs. With over 570 federally recognized tribes in the United States alone, each community boasts unique practices, belief systems, and languages. Recognizing and appreciating this diversity is fundamental to genuine inclusivity.
Native American culture is steeped in spirituality, art, and oral traditions. Spirituality holds immense importance in daily life, connecting individuals with nature and their ancestors. Art, be it intricate beadwork, colorful pottery, or expressive storytelling, serves as a means of preserving history and passing down wisdom through generations. Traditional ceremonies and celebrations are vital expressions of community, bonding, and heritage.
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has been a proud member of Quest for over ten years. It is the third-largest Native American tribe in the United States by population, with over 225,000 tribal members and 13,000 employees, and its reservation encompasses almost 11,000 square miles in southeastern Oklahoma. As this month’s guest blogger, I would like to share some key information about Choctaw Nation.
Government: The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is a sovereign tribal nation located in southeast Oklahoma. The government operates under a democratic constitution modeled after our federal government. The Executive branch includes an elected Chief and Assistant Chief; the Legislative branch consists of an elected Tribal Council responsible for approving policy and making decisions; and the Judicial branch consists of a fully functioning court system which holds the authority to prosecute felony offenses.
Citizenship: The Choctaw Nation has a large and diverse citizenry, with members who are descendants of the historic Choctaw tribe, originally located in central and southern Mississippi. They were the first tribe to traverse the Trail of Tears during the removal to Oklahoma.
Services & Programs: Choctaw Nation provides a wide range of services to its citizens, including healthcare, education, housing, cultural preservation, and infrastructure development. We operate numerous health clinics, schools, and vocational training programs, among hundreds of other programs.
Economic Development: Unlike most governments that fund programs with tax revenue, the Choctaw Nation operates commercial businesses that fund our government operations. These businesses include gaming, food & beverage operations, retail businesses including gas stations and grocery stores, hospitality, and transportation services. Annually, the Choctaw Nation has a $2.5 Billion impact on the Oklahoma economy.
Education: The Choctaw Nation operates multiple Head Start locations and day care centers as well as Jones Academy, a residential school for tribal members in grades 1-12. We also provide college scholarships, internships, and Choctaw language courses at the local high school.
Partnerships: Choctaw Nation believes that “Together, We’re More.” In working with other organizations and businesses, we can exponentially expand our impact to the tribe, the state, and the country. For example, we have developed partnerships with…
- Marvel and Disney to highlight Choctaw language, culture, and history in a new series called ECHO premiering Jan 10 on Disney+.
- United States military with defense manufacturing contracts.
- NASA to research drone technology and enable advances in drone operations.
- National Childrens Alliance to manage childrens’ advocacy programs for Choctaw youth.
- Army Corps of Engineers to work on research projects for a sustainable water supply.
To promote genuine inclusivity, we must actively acknowledge and celebrate Native American culture. Quest would like to provide you with a list of key organizations serving this community, particularly those with a focus on technology.
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES): AISES is a national non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the representation of Native Americans in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). They support Native American students and professionals in STEM careers.
Native Innovation, Inc.: Native Innovation provides professional development, educational resources, and training in technology, STEM, and innovation for Native American communities and schools.
Get Engaged Locally
Take actionable steps to support and uplift Indigenous voices. Search for local opportunities happening in your community and look to get involved, whether as an individual or as a company. Below are a few suggestions.
- Educate yourself by reading books, watching documentaries or listening to podcasts by Native American authors and experts.
– Rachael Youngman, Founder of Native ChocTalk hosts a wonderful and engaging podcast. Hear and learn from American Indians share their ancestral stores, history, traditions, culture and more. - Attend a cultural event that showcases Native American traditions.
- Visit a Native American Museum, Cultural Center, or Historic Site.
- Support Native American Causes. Contribute to or support organizations and charities that work to address the unique challenges faced by Native American communities, such as healthcare, education, and land rights.
To find specific events, consider checking with local tribal organizations, Native American cultural centers, city government websites, and event listing platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup. Remember, the key to celebrating this month is to do so with respect, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine interest in understanding and appreciating the rich and diverse indigenous cultures of North America.
Let us not just acknowledge but celebrate the invaluable legacy of Native American cultures in our collective tapestry of diversity.