November is Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month was created on Aug. 3, 1990, by George Bush. This is a time for everyone to recognize and celebrate the lives and accomplishments of Native American/Indigenous people of the United States. 

Even though Native Americans have always been around, they aren’t heavily discussed in history classes. The month dedicated to their history and accomplishments should showcase all aspects of their history. 

Native Americans were the first to live in the United States before it was “discovered” by white settlers. Upon arrival, these settlers noticed that they weren’t exactly like themselves, they made it an immediate mission to help these natives and “fix” them. 

The National Indian Youth Council (NIYC) fought for the rights of Natives during the Civil Rights Movement and stood up for their people who were heavily discriminated against as well. Jim Crow Laws affected them heavily depending on skin color and they were included in the focus of mass incarceration but this isn’t widely taught in schools. 

Assimilation, the pushing of Native Americans into European culture, made a large impact on their community and took years of repair. 

15,000 years later, after harsh treatment and abuse from the US government and their own movements fighting for rights, they were recognized. 

Today, there are 6.7 million Native Americans, with only 22% living on reservations. The government recognizes 500+ of their tribes but there are still more to go through.