November is Native American Heritage Month, also referred to as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. President Calvin Coolidge issued a proclamation on September 28, 1915 which declared the second Saturday of may as an American Indian Day. This recognition was the first for Native Americans, and was the result of years of planning and advocacy by the Congress of the American Indian Association. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush approved a resolution designating November 1990 as “National American Indian Heritage Month”, and it has been declared a similar Month every year since 1994. The significant contributions of Native American/American Indians have made to the establishment of the United States are celebrated, along with their wide variety of tribe and clan cultures, traditions, and history. It is also a month to learn and act on the current challenges facing Native peoples today.
Native American Educational Guide:
A very informative educational guide on local Native tribes, history, and culture, compiled as part of the 2019 Saratoga Native American Festival.
Website: https://www.saratoganativefestival.com/education-guide/
The Photograph Finding Aid project:
A digital collection which allows users to explore over 18,000 photographs which have been digitized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This collection is a continuous effort to digitize photographs held in physical form through the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
Website: https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/bia/photos/
Native American Storytelling:
Educator Perry Ground, of the Onondaga Nation's Turtle Clan, shares Haudenosaunee storytelling.
Website: https://talkingturtlestories.com/
The Akwesasne Cultural Center:
Located in Upstate New York serves as a library and museum (with gift shop) highlighting local tribal and cultural history.
Website: https://www.akwesasneculturalcenter.org/
The Ganondagan State Historic Site:
Located in Victor, NY is a National Historic Landmark focusing on Seneca culture. Included within the site is a Seneca Bark Longhouse, completely restored to represent a typical family lifestyle of the Seneca people from the 17th century.
Website: https://ganondagan.org/
Iroquois Museum:
Dedicated to Iroquois art, culture, archaeology, and history. The Museum hosts many events throughout much of the year, and hosts a children’s museum, and nature park.
Website: https://www.iroquoismuseum.org/.
Gathering of Nations:
A world-wide recognized annual festival for Native peoples to celebrate their heritage, share culture, and partake in dance competitions.
Website: https://www.gatheringofnations.com/
The Iroquois Indian Festival:
An annual event put on my the museum as a celebration of Iroquois culture.
Website: https://www.iroquiosmuseum.org/festivals