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Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

This guide was compiled for the QV community in honor of Native American Heritage Month by two non-indigenous people on unseeded Native Land in Northeastern Connecticut. This guide attempts to balance the rich histories and cultures of Native American tribes with a history and present of the oppression and marginalization of these Tribes.   Since European Colonization began in 1492, forces outside of the many Native American tribes have driven drastic changes to both individual and tribal culture, day to day life, and fundamental rights. Individuals of European ancestry have told the majority of Native American stories. This guide is a compilation of information and resources that while imperfect, are an attempt to celebrate Native American Heritage with respect:

 

Language matters, and many terms used are not universally applied or agreed upon by members of Native American Tribes. These differing terms demonstrate continued controversy of historical facts, tribal membership, rights, and land. This guide uses the general term Native American to refer indigenous individuals and issues, but the US government uses the term American Indian, and many individuals and tribes refer to themselves by tribal affiliation, such as Mohegan or Pequot. Please refer to Tips for Using Appropriate Terminology and Essential Understandings about American Indians for a better understanding of terminology and the importance of using the right words.

Books to Help You Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

Terminiology

  • Alaska Native This term refers to the indigneous people of the area. Native Alaskan is anyone from Alaska (including non-indigenous).
  • American Indian Some tribes (and their associated parks) prefer Native American. Use specific tribal name(s) whenever possible, accurate, and appropriate. See also First Nations, tribal names.
  • First Nation, First Nations Refers to aboriginal people in Canada who are neither Inuit (people of the Canadian Arctic) nor Métis (descendants of First Nation people who married Europeans). Often used in the plural in the collective sense, as in a program for First Nations youth. The term is widely used in Canada but is not used in the US, except in connection with Métis whose homelands include northwest Minnesota, North Dakota, or other northern states. See also American Indian.
  • Native American Use if requested by specific tribes or parks. See American Indian.
  • tribal name Use specific tribal name(s) whenever possible, accurate, and appropriate. Also the preference is to use the singular noun: Navajo, Lakota, Tlingit. See also American Indian. Examples: The Navajo entered Canyon de Chelly about 300 years ago. The Anishinaabek fished in Lake Superior.

(November 2022 Native American Heritage Month)

See the Smithsonian Celebrate Native American Heritage Month cultural and historical resources.