NASW-Michigan Honors National Native American Heritage Month
In 1990, President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “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. November 25 marks Native American Heritage Day, first recognized by President Barack Obama in 2009. These are federal recognitions and celebrations of the various cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native and Indigenous Peoples in the United States. These times of recognition also serve as an opportunity to reflect on the egregious history of the Native American population endured through colonization and genocide while also appreciating the societal contributions that Native Americans have had and continue to have. Michigan is home to twelve federally recognized tribes and several places to visually appreciate and explore Native American History & Culture.
Colonization has erased many of the achievements and histories of those native to Michigan (and the United States) and we urge all members to take the time to recognize this month, acknowledge the land you occupy, and learn about the Indigenous communities who were there before you. We also urge you to reflect on any actions you may have taken which have had unintended consequences and further oppressed Native American people - whether that be through support of inappropriate depictions of Native Americans or wearing of garments as a non-Tribal member that are culturally significant to Tribal members, for example. Ways in which non-indigenous individuals can honor Native American Heritage Month are through making monetary donations to Native-controlled non-profit organizations, taking steps to decolonize and honor Native Peoples this Thanksgiving, and learning more about Indigenous activism and movements happening now which were recently highlighted in an NASW-Michigan Press Release for Indigenous Peoples Day. Consider participating in an event:
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