Like many other months that specifically honor a typically underrepresented group of people, Native American Heritage Month started off as a small movement and grew to encompass much more. Numerous efforts that began at the turn of the 20th century, culminated in President George H. W. Bush’s 1990 approval of a joint congressional resolution designating the entire month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month. Considering that the Native people contributed so richly to the founding and survival of this nation, it is more than fitting that we specifically and joyfully honor their cultures, histories, and traditions, as well as the sacrifices many of them made.
According to The U.S. Department of the Interior, this year’s theme for the month-long observation is “Gifts of Our Ancestors: Celebrating Indigenous Knowledge and Culture.” Several special events are taking place throughout the month. While some of these have already passed, such as Rock Your Mocs Day on November 15, today, November 19, is Red Shawl Day. Friday, November 26, the day after Thanksgiving, is Native American Heritage Day.
Our state of Indiana actually means “Land of the Indians”, named for the tribes that resided here when the first Europeans arrived. The history of how our state traded hands and eventually got its official name is a bit complicated, but you can read an excellent summary of it here.
Numerous Native American nations, including tribes of Miami, Shawnee, and Illinois, made this region their home during the early part of the 19th century. The Potawatomi Indians migrated to Indiana by way of Michigan and settled in what is now Northern Indiana, in an area now preserved as Pokagon State Park. The Tecumseh confederation, led by Shawnee brother’s Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa, was a group of united Indian nations who wanted to reclaim land that had been encroached upon by European- Americans, and founded the town of Prophetstown in 1808 at the junction of the Wabash and Tippecanoe Rivers. You can now visit Prophetstown State Park, which is located in West Lafayette, IN.
Across the country, conflicts between the native peoples and the European settlers eventually led to the passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Poverty and oppression forced many tribes to give up their ancestral lands out of a need to survive. The Native people had to leave Indiana and move west to unsettled territory.
Finding ways to educate yourself, friends and family about the breadth and depth of Native peoples can take place throughout the year, but this month is the perfect time to get started. Libraries and Museums often feature special programs or exhibits that are easily accessible. Additionally, many online resources are available to facilitate a deep dive into Native American history and culture.
Right in our own backyard, you might consider planning a trip to Angel Mounds. If you are going to be in Indianapolis, why not plan a visit to the Eiteljorg Museum? Go to your local bookshop or library and check out these fiction and non-fiction books, as well as these books for children. If you have a book club, why not consider introducing some of these titles into your rotation of books to discuss?
Other ways to honor the American Indians include:
- Educating yourself problems and issue that are affecting tribes today
- Attending a Powwow
- Supporting businesses owned by Native Americans
- Recognizing the history of the land you live on
F.C. Tucker Emge REALTORS® believes that everyone has a place in our community. We are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive company that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. In these days leading up to Thanksgiving, we are exceedingly grateful for the wide range of people in our towns and cities who work hard and give of their time and talents to ensure a quality of life for everyone to enjoy.
