By: Sara Meng
November marks a time for reflection, celebration, and acknowledgment as the nation celebrates Native American Heritage Month. Rooted in history and tradition, this month invites all people to honor the resilience, culture, and contributions of the Indigenous peoples. Yet, while its significance is undeniable, questions remain about its visibility in society and how we can better promote awareness in these modern times.
Native American Heritage Month originated from the efforts of Indigenous leaders and advocates who sought formal recognition of their history and culture. Ms. Thomas, a History teacher at Mills, shared a little about what she knew about this month: “This is something I had to look up. Apparently, Native American Heritage Month started as ‘Native American Awareness Week’ in 1976. In 1986, the week was renamed to ‘American Indian Week.’ It was celebrated from November 23–30th. In 1990, George H.W. Bush signed a resolution designating November as ‘Native American Heritage Month.’”
Congress chose November with much purpose. This month traditionally marked the conclusion of the harvest season for many Native communities—a time of thanksgiving, celebration, and reflection. Through the passing of Public Law 101-343 in 1990, Native American Heritage Month became a platform for amplifying Indigenous voices and honoring their role in shaping the United States’ history.
Despite its historical importance, Native American Heritage Month currently struggles to gain more attention in mainstream media and society. Public awareness often pales in comparison to other celebrations. Ms. Thomas noted, “Unfortunately, I believe this heritage month gets overlooked due to Thanksgiving and Black Friday. I think people should learn more about the Ohlone people—the original stewards of the land.”
This thought is further confirmed by Mrs. Leung, an English teacher at Mills, and Angelina Komashko, a senior at Mills. Mrs. Leung states, “I personally don’t know much about Native American Heritage Month. I do agree that this is a very important thing to celebrate and that we should be learning more about it.” Komashko supports, “Yes, I believe that the school should cover more about this topic. I don’t really know much about it.” The lack of widespread media coverage leaves many Americans unaware of the significance of this month, further emphasizing the need for proactive engagement.
To work through the complexities that the 21st century has brought, fostering greater awareness and respect for Native American Heritage Month is crucial. Institutions can play a great role by integrating more Indigenous history into the curriculum and promoting local Indigenous voices. For example, highlighting the history and culture of the Ohlone people in schools around the bay can build a deeper connection to the land and its original inhabitants.
Native American Heritage Month is more than a commemoration—it is a call to action. While it acknowledges the past, its true power lies in shaping the present and future by fostering understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures.
Let November work as a reminder that the richness of America’s history is incomplete without the voices and stories of its original people. The task before us is simple: to uplift, educate, and celebrate— hopefully not just for the month of November, but every day.
