Native American Heritage Month celebrates centuries of influence.

November is Native American Heritage Month, which this year will be an online celebration of the contribution Native Americans have made, and continue to make.

From art and jewelry, to the conservation of land and animals, the language we use today and the food we eat, the contributions of Native American influences are all around us.

Each year, that contribution is celebrated through a variety of events, forming part of the now well-established Native American Heritage Month. This year, some of the physical events are available to view as virtual events, as a result of the pandemic.

Despite that, this year’s celebrations will still see a host of virtual webinars and other online events taking place – all of which will recognize the important contribution of Native people to American culture and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native people.

The month of activities is also an opportunity to educate people about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

These include:

Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces

• Why We Serve honors the generations of Native Americans who have served in the armed forces of the United States—often in extraordinary numbers—since the American Revolution. 

The Art of Looking

• Sally Larsen's Miles and Miles, Chaw'se Acorn Grinding Rock, Miwok Indians, Amador County, California is the inspiration for this interactive conversation. Join and share your observations, interpretations, questions, and ideas, and build on your own first impressions to broaden your understanding of this work of art.

Virtual Double Take: “Edson's Flag” Honoring Native Veterans

• Join three experts from across the Smithsonian for a virtual conversation about the artwork Edson's Flag, a large wall tapestry by Marie Watt (Seneca). This artwork was created to honor veterans who served in the Air Force during World War II.

Native Cinema Showcase

• The Native Cinema Showcase is a celebration of the best in Native film, with focuses on Native people boldly asserting themselves through language, healing, building community, and a continued relationship with the land. This virtual event features a total of 47 films streaming online, with many programs available worldwide and on demand.

The Art of Looking: Kay WalkingStick's il sogno del cortile (The Courtyard Dream)

• Kay WalkingStick's il sogno del cortile (The Courtyard Dream) is the inspiration for this interactive conversation. Join and share your observations, interpretations, questions, and ideas, and build on your own first impressions to broaden your understanding of this work of art.

All of these events and activities are an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the powerful influence Native Americans have had on our culture – and how they continue to shape the way we move forward.

More information on how to access these webinars, as well as the host of other online activities taking place as part of Native American Heritage Month, can be found here.

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