To commemorate the history, culture and accomplishments of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and associated island groups, November is designated as National Native American Heritage Month.
According to the National Park Service, National Native American Heritage Month was first officially recognized in 1990, with Dr. Arthur C. Parker driving its establishment in New York. Parker advocated for a federal commemoration day for Native Americans in 1916, leading to the current month-long celebration.
There are many ways Kansas City, Missouri, honors and commemorates Native Americans’ contributions, history, culture and heritage.
One way Kansas City has done this in the past is with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014. The Chiefs’ leadership collaborated with the American Indian Community Working Group to discuss concerns, customs and also improve respect for American Indian culture in Indian countries.
According to the Chiefs’ website, the Chiefs celebrated American Indian Heritage Month this year at Arrowhead Stadium on Nov 4. Chairman Darwin Kaskaske of the Kickapoo tribe of Oklahoma and his wife, Mary Thorpe, threw the First Pass. George Levi and singers from the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma performed the blessing of the drum and honor song. In addition, Chief Alan Fletcher of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma conducted the Blessing of the Four Directions.
Many states including Kansas and Missouri have rich Native American history and culture.
“The entire state of Kansas, for example, when it was organized, was supposed to be Indian reservations. So even right here, you’ve got a rich cultural heritage of the Native Americans before Kansas City was even settled,” University Academy Upper School world history teacher Mr. John Lujano said. “It will be interesting to see somebody step up and remind people of that.”
UA teaches about Native Americans’ contributions, history, culture and heritage. Native American perspectives, beliefs and roles in American history are highlighted in Mr. Michael Shabason’s U.S. history class during the unit on westward expansion. He presents the civilizations of the Americas as an independent civilization that is just as significant and valid as China, Africa or Europe in his world history class, he said.
“This notion of celebrating our diverse aspects of our national character reminds us that we are more than just one culture,” Mr. Shabason said.
Encouraging people to learn more about this diverse national character is what National Native American Heritage Month is all about.
