Native American cultures are diverse and display a long history of innovation and creativity.  Given the length of time Native Americans have inhabited the continent and the diversity of the Tribes that have previously existed and that continue to exist, celebrating Native American culture covers a wide range of activities.

• Language is a fundamental part of any culture.  While at one time there were more than 300 languages spoken by Native American peoples, there are now only 175 still spoken today, with Navajo being the most spoken.  Most of these remaining languages are endangered due in large part to Native American boarding schools where children were forced to speak only English.  Though there have been efforts by the US government to reverse these actions and their consequences, it is estimated that only 20 Native American languages will still be spoken in 2050.
• Want to experience all the kinds of Native American art that exists?  There are many museums that highlight Native American artists.
  • Denver Art Museum
  • National Gallery of Art
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Museum of Fine Arts Boston
  • Shelburne Museum
• Music is essential to Native American culture.  Historically music has played a part in most aspects of a Native America’s life, from ceremonies, courtship, storytelling, hunting, and of course dance.  Music continues to be a large part of the lives of many Native Americans and Tribal members can express themselves.
• Native Americans revere and take part in many different ceremonies.  Each Tribe has ceremonies that are important to them.  These ceremonies cover the width and breadth of Native American life.  Including ceremonies like the Powwow, the Green Corn Ceremony, the Sunrise Ceremony, the Blanket Ceremony, and the Sioux Ghost Dance to name a very few of the important rituals and ceremonies of all of the various Native American tribes.

Appropriation vs appreciation:

While it is appropriate to celebrate Native American tribes through the admiration of their arts and culture, it is important appreciate these cultural aspects without appropriating them.  Native American likeness, names, and cultural artifacts (dream catchers, sage, eagle feathers, etc.) are woven into many social, educational, sports activities and institutions.

• There have been many Native American protests against cultural appropriation.
  • Some institutions like the NFL team located in Washington DC and the MLB team in Cleveland OH have changed their names and mascots (Redskins to Commanders and Indians to Guardians) to reflect the wishes of Native American representatives.
  • Others have resisted such pressure.
    • The Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Braves retain their name and mascot
    • Locally, the Killingly High School Red Men changed their name and logo under pressure in 2020 and the name and mascot were returned under Republican Board of Education control.

See Developing Stories: Native Photographers in the Field

Hear Indigenous Voices on preserving tribal languages