Native American Heritage Month: Celebrating the First Americans
The foundation of diversity and inclusion is built upon respect and understanding while exploring how the contributions from a few impacted generations. In 1914, Reverend Red Fox James, a Native American Indian from the Blackfoot tribe, took on the heroic mission to ride from state to state to garner support for a single day to honor Indians in America. On December 14, 1915, he presented endorsements from 24 state governments to the White House for consideration. Unfortunately, despite Red Fox James’ efforts, there were no political motions for national recognition of American Indians. However, Seneca Indian, Dr. Arthur C. Parker was able to persuade the Boy Scouts of America to adopt and celebrate the “First Americans” Day. New York became the first state to recognize the contributions of Native Americans in May 1916. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush approved a joint resolution and declared November as National American Indian Heritage Month.
As we prepare to celebrate many traditions in November and the remainder of the year, we should pause to honor the “First Americans” of our great nation. Below are some ways to support Native American Heritage Month:
- educate – leverage employee resource groups or Native American employees to help share information on the history and traditions of their ancestors. Share facts on Native American heroes such as the Navajo Code Talkers who were invaluable to the U.S. military during World War II
- empower – economic inequality continues to grow as the wealth and wage gaps widen. There are roughly 562 tribes and only 362 reservations in the U.S. Take time to support Native American-owned small businesses and services that can make a positive impact on the communities in which they operate and serve
- elevate – consider becoming a mentor or support advocacy and education campaigns for Native Americans
In the words of the Dakota tribe, “We will be known forever by the tracks we leave.” Let these inspiring words be a call to action as we all consider what we can do to make a positive impact this month.