sholeh: Celebrate Native-American Heritage Month

The idea that America’s indigenous peoples deserve to be recognized, valued and honored should be obvious — even instinctual, given the prevalence of some Native-American heritage in most Americans.

Yet it wasn’t until late in U.S. history that the federal government acknowledged it. President Reagan declared the last week of November in 1986 American Indian Week, then President George H.W. Bush designated November 1990 as the first Native American Heritage Month.

The campaign for recognition started much earlier. In 1912 Arthur C. Parker, an archaeologist and member of the Seneca Nation, persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day to honor the “First Americans.” While that tradition lasted only three years, it had an impact. When the Congress of the American Indian Association met soon after in Kansas, they decided to approach the federal government with the idea of an American Indian Day.

While federal interest was low, state governments were more responsive. New York held the first government-supported celebration of American Indians on the second Saturday in May 1916. Illinois followed suit in September 1919, with a trickle flowing slowly through the states.

Today many have Native-American Heritage Days, and about a dozen states including Idaho have joined a movement to at least co-recognize, if not replace, Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day – given the conquering and tragic aspects of that history and all that ensued.

An estimated Indian population of 10 million fell rapidly after European settlers brought diseases and war. Centuries of harsh displacement, persecution, and discrimination led to death, new diseases, and the loss of land and resources needed to sustain healthy communities. Once vibrant and healthy, self-sustaining peoples, Native Americans still have the highest poverty rates in the nation, with one in four living below the poverty line.

There are many success stories, such as the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s economic accomplishments, impressive health center, and valuable donations to North Idaho communities (including funding for local schools and the Citylink bus system). Yet indigenous peoples still face significant challenges, fighting to keep dwindling reservation borders, autonomous rights, and resources both natural and financial.

Native American Tribes, each unique in their histories and cultures, often work collectively to face these challenges and strengthen their voice.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau Native Americans number 6.79 million – about 2 percent of the U.S. population. Alaska has the highest concentration of indigenous peoples at about 20 percent, followed by Oklahoma (13 percent), New Mexico (nearly 11 percent) and South Dakota (10 percent). Idaho has just over 42,000 Native American citizens, including members of the Shoshone-Bannock, Shoshone-Paiute, Coeur d'Alene, Kootenai, and Nez Perce Nations who together represent 2.26 percent of the state’s population.

Whatever the reticence to declare a national holiday to honor Native-Americans, the rich cultures, accomplishments, and contributions of the 574 federally recognized indigenous nations across this country offer much to celebrate. Even today most of what the rest of us learn about these diverse peoples is limited to a few hours in school and inaccurate portrayals on TV.

Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to start with this awareness. Each year North Idaho College and University of Idaho host opportunities to learn and share the cultures of Idaho’s indigenous peoples. NIC’s, during the last week of November, typically include storytelling by members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, arts, crafts, and cultural demonstrations.

Supporting Indigenous-owned businesses and nonprofits is another way to commemorate. Native-American crafts make beautiful holiday gifts. Donations to Tribal community charities and national organizations such as the American Indian College Fund (collegefund.org) or the Climate Justice Alliance (climatejusticealliance.org) are also options.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network grateful to her grandfather for teaching her some of the Cherokee way. Email [email protected].