November Heritage & Cultural Month: Native American Heritage Month

About

Durham County resides on the Indigenous lands of the Catawba (ka-tah-buh), Cheraw (cher-aw), Eno (ee-no), Lumbee (lum-bee), Occaneechi (oak-a-nee-chee), Shakori (shuh-kor-ee), and Tuscarora (tuh-skuh-roar-uh) peoples. Native American Heritage Month 2024

Native American Heritage Month honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in the United States. Established to recognize the original inhabitants of this land, the month celebrates the diversity of Native American tribes and their enduring legacies. While the observance became official in 1990, Native communities have long worked to preserve and share their heritage. Events held during November often highlight Native American history, arts, traditional practices, and current contributions to society. Before Europeans arrived, two Native American tribes – the Eno and the Occaneechi, related to the Sioux – lived and farmed here. Durham is thought to be the site of an ancient Native American village named Adshusheer. The Great Indian Trading Path is traced through Durham, and Native Americans helped to mold Durham by establishing settlement sites, transportation routes, and environmentally friendly patterns of natural resource use. Today, Native Americans represent about 2.9% of Durham County's population.

Learning

Native American Heritage Month serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges Indigenous communities face in achieving social and economic equity. This month highlights the resilience and contributions of Native Americans while also underscoring disparities in areas like employment, health, and education. Organizations like the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) work tirelessly to address these issues, advocating for policies that protect tribal sovereignty and promote economic self-sufficiency. The NCAI’s reports provide valuable insights into the challenges facing Native Americans today, including disparities in job opportunities and wages. Initiatives like the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) also play a vital role by defending the rights of Native communities and advancing legal reforms. Podcasts such as "All My Relations" offer personal narratives that bring awareness to these issues, creating space for voices often marginalized in mainstream conversations. Through advocacy, research, and storytelling, these organizations contribute to the ongoing efforts to achieve equity and recognition for Native American communities.

Learn more about local Native American groups through the Eno River Association, you can review the Native American and Indigenous History at Duke, and pick something to read from the Durham County Library book list of Native American Heritage Month. Also, check out the publication Changing the Narrative About Native Americans: A Guide for Allies put out by Reclaiming Native Truth: A Project to Dispel America's Myths and Misconceptions. Two of our own DCo teammates have written the Durham Health and History report that outlines the lasting health impacts of colonization and slavery on the residents of Durham. Last but not least, the Office of Sustainability at DCo has put out their own amazing blog with resources, recipes, and ways you can honor Indigenous Peoples during Thanksgiving; check it out today!

Connecting

One of the most impactful ways to engage with Native American Heritage Month is to educate yourself and others about the social and economic challenges Native communities face, including disparities in employment, healthcare, and education. Start by exploring reports and studies from reputable sources, such as the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY), and the Native American Rights Fund (NARF). These resources offer critical data, insights, and analysis on issues affecting Native Americans, shedding light on the systemic barriers that hinder their economic security and overall well-being.

You can also connect with local Indigenous groups in the Triangle and great North Carolina through the Triangle Native American Society , visit the UNC American Indian Center, and the North Carolina American Indian Heritage Commission.

Doing

  • North Carolina Museum of History will host the 29th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration on November 22 & 23rd

    The AIHC consists of a virtual education day on Friday and an in-person festival on Saturday. The celebration highlights traditional and contemporary artistic, historical, and cultural contributions of American Indian communities in North Carolina. The consistent theme and message of AIHC, as expressed by its advisory board, is visibility: Indigenous people are still here!

  • The Durham County Library has several events to celebrate Native American Heritage Month; check them out!
  • Visit Cherokee NC: “Step back in time to the 18th century and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Cherokee people nestled within the picturesque North Carolina mountains. The Oconaluftee Indian Village invites you to embark on a journey unlike any other, offering a captivating glimpse into the past. Explore historical buildings, witness captivating shows such as “Time of War,” and be enchanted by traditional Cherokee dancing. Afterward, unwind and savor a delightful meal at our picnic area, or browse our Gift Shop for a cherished memento of your unforgettable visit to our village.”

Conversation Starters 

Here are some questions to start conversations with others about Native American Heritage Month. For leaders, try building in time in supervision or team meetings to prompt staff conversations about Native American Heritage Month. Options could include: 

  1. Did you learn anything new about Native American Heritage Month this month?  
  2. What influential figure or event from Native American Heritage Month has left a lasting impact on you personally?
  3. Did you learn anything new during Native American Heritage Month that has inspired or impacted your perspective? 
  4. How did you participate in Native American Heritage Month?