From November 1 through November 30, the United States celebrates National Native American Heritage Month. This is an opportunity to consider and recognize the contributions of Native Americans to the history of the United States. Native Americans are descendants of the original, indigenous inhabitants of what is now the U.S., and they maintain vibrant cultures and traditions, despite efforts to eradicate their cultures, traditions, languages, and people. There are 574 federally recognized tribal nations within the United States, speaking hundreds of languages, with distinct cultures, beliefs, and practices. Native Americans are not only citizens of the U.S., but also citizens of sovereign nations that exist within its borders. Native Americans have made distinct and important contributions to the U.S. and the rest of the world in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art. Native Americans are responsible for the invention of snow shoes, syringes, baby bottles, lacrosse, parkas, and corn (many people don’t realize that corn is a created plant, not one that occurs naturally). Native Americans have served with honor and distinction in the armed forces. We are proud to recognize and participate in National Native American Heritage Month.
