In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994.
Menlo Land Acknowledgement:
Menlo College is located within lands traditionally stewarded by the Puichon tribe, one of more than 50 original Indigenous groups of the San Francisco Bay Area. The land on which Menlo College sits was ceded to the United States Army as a part of Cessation 274, one of the 18 treaties that tribes living in the Southwest were made to sign between 1851 and 1892. The Army forced the tribes to move off the land and onto reservations. Today’s Indigenous descendants in the Bay Area are commonly known as Ohlone or Muwekma Ohlone.
Some Books to Check Out - Click on the cover for more information.
- PBS Indian Pride SeriesIndian Pride showcases the unique lifestyles of North America’s 560 Indian Nations. Each episode of Indian Pride includes a mini-documentary, an in-studio discussion, and performances of historical and original presentations.
Other Resources
- nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov
- This Native American Heritage Month website is a collaborative project between the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. Check out this resource to find upcoming events, current exhibitions and collections, audio and visual creations, teaching materials, and more related to Native American Heritage Month.
Bay Area Events and Activities
- Sierra College: A Native Experiences Panel on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 11 AM–1 PM, where Native Elders, students, and faculty will share their experiences.
- UCSF NAHM Events: A variety of events, including virtual backgrounds, a virtual panel, a virtual lecture, and an in-person community dinner.
- California Legislative Native American Caucus: The Inaugural National Native American Heritage Month Parade on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 10 AM–2 PM.
- San Francisco City Hall: The American Indian Heritage Night Celebration on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 5:30 PM–7:30 PM, featuring traditional performances, food, and refreshments.
- California State Archives Special Tour: Native American Heritage Month on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 10-11AM. Join the California State Archives for a special, immersive behind-the-scenes tour experience exploring the history of Native American culture in California.