Celebrating Native American Heritage month in November with a host of ideas

I think we as black Americans, have some drip of Native American blood in all of us. It was also detailed that some of us were never part of native Africa, but descendants of Native America.

In my brood, we have some Chowtaws and Cherokee’s mixed somewhere down the line. And in most of my distant southern relatives, you can see it more than others.

On August 3, 1990, President of the United States George H. W. Bush declared the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month, thereafter commonly referred to as Native American Heritage Month.

Our Native Americans are more than teepees, bow and arrows and totem poles. Modern day Native Americans own casinos, are teachers, artists, actors and activists.\

On October 3, 2022, just recently, The Academy of Art and Science had announced that Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American actress and activist who made history when she declined the Best Actor Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando, has died at the age of 75. 

Imagining being so humbled and turning down an Oscar on behalf of a legend. If it was me, i would’ve swallowed my pride and grabbed the trophy in glee.

Native American contribution to the arts and film is astounishing, please check out the calendar of events below and please supports the movement.

Film:

Native Cinema Showcase Nov 18-25
The Native Cinema Showcase is a weeklong celebration of the best in Indigenous film. This year’s online program includes a total of 35 films representing 30 Native nations in eight different countries. Genres include documentaries, music videos, kid-friendly shorts, films in Indigenous languages and more.

(National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution)

Performance:

November 25

Native Voices with Storyteller Dovie Thomason
Storyteller Dovie Thomason shares traditional stories about animals and hero/tricksters that provide a clearer understanding of the values and cultures of the diverse First Nations of North America. Thomason draws on her own Lakota/Kiowa Apache tradition and experience working with culture-bearers of other Native nations.

(Library of Congress)

In DC:

Native American Heritage Program with Tony Duncan

Part of the Series: 2022 Native American Heritage Month event in DC

So, there you go just a few of many events slated to support “The Heritage”, so get out and support if you are in the area. Most have access by online options.