November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and honor the cultures, heritages, and ongoing practices of Indigenous peoples who have cared for these lands for generations.

UMBC is situated on the ancestral lands of the Piscataway and Susquehannock peoples. Over time, citizens of many more Indigenous nations have come to reside in this region. This month, we invite our community to reflect on and honor not only the Native and Indigenous peoples of our local area but also the rich histories, diverse perspectives, and voices of all Native and Indigenous peoples.

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed a joint resolution declaring November 1990 as “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Since 1994, similar proclamations have been issued each year under various names, such as “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.” The call to honor Native and Indigenous peoples dates back to the early 1900s. In 1915, the American Indian Association's annual meeting formally approved a plan for American Indian Day, with Rev. Sherman Coolidge, the Association's president, urging the nation to recognize this day.

This Native American Heritage Month, we honor and celebrate the untold stories of Native peoples. Native and Indigenous communities are not a single entity; they encompass a rich diversity of cultures, nations, and languages. The contributions of Native and Indigenous peoples have significantly shaped this nation, often going unrecognized and underappreciated. The erasure of Native peoples from history and media has led to a lack of recognition for their contributions, which have profoundly shaped this nation. We must acknowledge these contributions and work to restore the visibility and respect that Native and Indigenous peoples deserve. 

On October 25, 2024, during his visit to the Gila River Indian Community, President Biden issued the first public apology from a sitting U.S. president for the profound harm caused by federal boarding schools. This marks a significant step toward recognizing the injustices faced by Native and Indigenous peoples and acknowledging the lasting impact of these actions. To learn more about the visit, click here. You can also view the full transcript here. Additionally, President Biden has released the 2024 Proclamation on National Native American Heritage Month.

Join The Mosaic on Monday, November 18th, from 1 PM to 2 PM for Doughnuts & Dialogue: Centering Indigenous Stories. During this session, we will explore Native and Indigenous children’s literature and engage in a discussion about the significance of Indigenous ways of knowing. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and connect!