Since time immemorial, American Indian and Alaskan Natives have built vibrant and diverse cultures connecting with and preserving their land, language, spirit, knowledge, and tradition across the generations. During National Native American Heritage month (NNAHM), we celebrate the people who cared for the land that we now live on, and the cultures that have survived through the worst feats imaginable. Let us not forget that today is also for the people, cultures, and traditions that have been lost through colonization, assimilation, and genocide. There are several ways to celebrate, honor, or observe NNAHM. You may consider learning more about Native American cultures, including rich and diverse stories of tradition and resiliency, attend events dedicated to NNAHM, and look into the resources below.
Ways to Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month
· Burke Museum Exhibit: Body Language: Reawakening Cultural Tattooing of the Northwest takes a closer look at the rich history and artistry of Indigenous tattooing of the Northwest coast. Photographs, cultural belongings, and contemporary art reveal how these previously disrupted and banned traditions have endured through the efforts of the Indigenous artists featured in this exhibition. Experience their stories and celebrate the resilience of Indigenous tattoo practitioners and those who wear the visual language of their ancestors on their bodies. The exhibit runs from Nov. 6, 2022 to Apr. 16, 2023. Learn more.
· RESGIVING 2022: A relaxing evening of raising funds for Seattle’s Native Youth Theatre. Red Eagle Soaring Native Youth Theatre (RES) exists to empower American Indian and Alaska Native youth to express themselves with confidence and clarity through traditional and contemporary performing arts. View the details and register here.
· Native Art Market: Indigenous artists will be selling and showcasing handmade authentic arts and crafts from 10 AM – 4 PM on Nov. 19 – 20. Many styles and tribes represented, the beautiful work of these Native American artists includes clothing, jewelry, woodworking, drums, art prints, and more at Daybreak Star. Free and open to all.
Resources for National Native American Heritage Month
- Native American Heritage | Visit Seattle
- Native Owned Business Guide
- NEFA — National Indian Education Association (niea.org)
- Tips for teaching about Native peoples | Burke Museum
- Urban Native Education Alliance
- Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Five Artists You Should Know
Washington Tribal Nations list:
- Coeur d’Alene Tribe – cdatribe-nsn.gov/
- Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation – yakama.com
- Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation – chehalistribe.org
- Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation – colvilletribes.com
- Cowlitz Indian Tribe – cowlitz.org
- Hoh Indian Tribe – hohtribe-nsn.org
- Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe – jamestowntribe.org
- Kalispel Tribe of Indians – kalispeltribe.com
- Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe – elwha.org
- Lummi Nation – lummi-nsn.gov/
- Makah Tribe – makah.com
- Muckleshoot Indian Tribe – muckleshoot.nsn.us
- Nez Perce Tribe – nezperce.org/
- Nisqually Indian Tribe – nisqually-nsn.gov
- Nooksack Indian Tribe – nooksacktribe.org
- Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe – pgst.nsn.us
- Puyallup Tribe – puyallup-tribe.com
- Quileute Tribe – quileutenation.org
- Quinault Indian Nation – quinaultindiannation.com
- Samish Indian Nation – samishtribe.nsn.us
- Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe – sauk-suiattle.com
- Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe – shoalwaterbay-nsn.gov
- Skokomish Indian Tribe – skokomish.org
- Snoqualmie Indian Tribe – snoqualmietribe.us/
- Spokane Tribe of Indians – spokanetribe.com
- Squaxin Island Tribe – squaxinisland.org
- Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians – stillaguamish.com
- Suquamish Tribe – suquamish.nsn.us
- Swinomish Indian Tribal Community – swinomish.org
- Tulalip Tribes – tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
- Upper Skagit Indian Tribe – upperskagittribe-nsn.gov (link not secure) Upper Skagit Indian Tribe – Wikipedia
- There are also tribes that have not received federal recognition. Visit duwamishtribe.org/ to learn more about the Duwamish peoples.
