NASPGHAN is proud to recognize November as National Native American Heritage Month. We acknowledge that we are not the traditional stewards of these lands, and we must commit to understanding the histories and current experiences of Native Americans. NASPGHAN is committed to improving the healthcare status of all children and decreasing the disparities created by socioeconomic and cultural differences.
About 10 million people (2.5%) reported American Indian and Alaska Native ancestry per the U.S. Census. The federal government recognized 574 tribes and 324 American Indian reservations in 2022. The first American Indian Day was declared in 1916 but it was in 1990 that November was named National Native American Heritage Month. Also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, it is a time to learn about and celebrate the many tribes’ diverse cultures, traditions, and histories.
Download this app (iOS; Google) from the Native Governance Center is helpful to discover which Nations’ homelands you inhabit.
As we approach the Holiday Season, we seek ways to celebrate while remembering that many Native American and Indigenous people view this as a time of mourning and reflection:
- A Racial Justice Guide to Thanksgiving
- The History of Thanksgiving from the Native American Perspective
