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is dedicated to honoring the stories, traditions, and cultures of Native Americans, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Island communities to educate others on their rich histories.  

Native American History Month developed over years of persistent activism. Dr. Arthur C. Parker, of the Seneca nation, fought for an "American Indian Day" to be recognized within the Boy Scouts of America, between 1912-1915. The very first “American Indian Day” occurred in that state of New York on the second Saturday in May 1916. Currently, Native American Heritage Day is celebrated on the Friday following Thanksgiving. This year, the Native Resource Center of San Diego State University highlights this year’s theme of “.”

President George H. W. Bush was the first president to recognize this month in November of 1990 on a federal level. The month of November was chosen as generally towards the end of the month we learn of harvest season and the history of Thanksgiving. Under President Barack Obama in 2009, the celebration title was changed to "National Native American Heritage Month." This is a time to recognize the hardships and unjust treatment that Indigenous people have faced, along with all of their accomplishments and contributions.  

This observance recognizes the past while also celebrating a living and evolving cultural landscape, often described as a beautiful mosaic of traditions, languages, and identities that remain deeply connected to the land. Ways to celebrate and acknowledge include attending community gatherings, government and educational activities, and festivals. We should use this time to educate others of the heritage, history, and art of Native Americans.

91���� Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that 91���� resides on Lenapehoking (leh-NA-pe-ho-king), the traditional home of the Lenni Lenape. Honoring our Franciscan call to collegiality and peacemaking, we recognize, support, and advocate for Indigenous peoples who live here now, and for those who were forcibly removed. In humility, we acknowledge, honor, and respect the past, present, and future of the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land, whose presence continues in the region due to their resilience in the face of colonization.

Coming Up in the Area

Lenape Botany: November 1

• Time: 11:00am-12:00pm
• Location: Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens, NY
• Description: During Native American Heritage Month, join the Urban Park Rangers to learn how the Lenape people used local plants for healing and discover their lasting connection to nature on a guided hike.  

Lenape Folktales: November 8

• Time: 11:00am-12:30pm
• Location: Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island, NY
• Description: During Native American Heritage Month, join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk-through Snug Harbor to learn about the Lenape tradition of oral storytelling. Explore how these stories have been passed down through generations, discover the lessons they still teach today, and celebrate cultural traditions by sharing folktales from your own heritage.  

Roots of Knowledge Tea Blends: November 10

• Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
• Location: Campus Commons Living Room
• Description: Learn the significance of Native American Heritage Month and the cultural context of plant stewardship in the local Lenape/Eastern Woodlands territory with the Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge. Participants curate their own custom loose-leaf tea blend using pre-prepared, safe-to-consume dried herbs and botanicals historically or culturally significant to Eastern Woodlands tribes. 

Indigenous Film Fest: Without Arrows: November 17

• Time: 6:00pm
• Location: PLEX Lecture Hall
• Description: Join us for a screening and Q&A with Director Delwin Fiddler Jr. in his recent film. After 11 years living in Philadelphia, Delwin Fiddler Jr., a champion grass dancer, embraces indigenous culture by returning to his ancestral home on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. Leaving his big city life behind, Delwin aims to protect his centuries-old Lakota heritage and heal from family tragedy, through his passion for dance.    

Baltimore American Indian Center’s 50th Pow-wow!: November 21

• Time: 11:00am-7:00pm
• Location: Maryland State Fair Grounds
• Admission: $10
• Description: The BAIC welcomes everyone to join them for their 50th Pow-wow! They will have Native dancing, singing, drumming, craft and food vendors, special performances, and so much more!

Walking Lenapehoking: November 22

• Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm
• Location: Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (In Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan, NY
• Description: Join the Urban Park Rangers for a guided walk through Lenapehoking, the ancestral homeland of the Lenape. Learn about the area’s Indigenous history, explore its seasonal ecology, and discover how Lenape traditions continue to influence New York City today.  

Native Book Club: Bad Indians Book Club by Patty Krawec: November 23

• Time: 5:30pm
• Location: Reading Public Library – Southeast Branch, 1426 Perkiomen Ave, Reading
• Description: The Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge will be joining the Public Library at the Southeast Branch for a special book club event. They will be discussing Bad Indians Book Club, by Patty Krawec. Join them for a night of learning!

Ways to Acknowledge Indigenous Colleagues

• Learn about the Indigenous people who are in your area. Research the history of what tribes may have occupied the land you currently live on and acknowledge their presence.  
• Read literature from Indigenous authors. Reading their works can help to gain insights on their experiences and perspective throughout American history.
• Explore Native American cuisine and culture. Try dishes from traditional tribes and look for any recipes that could be made at home for ease! You can also try attending local art shows or storytelling sessions held by Native American organizations.  
• Share knowledge on social media. Stay informed on current issues and challenges that Native Americans may still face and spread awareness about it on social media. Promote acknowledging and supporting this group.  

Good Eats: Recipes to Try

• • The three sisters planting method grows corn (maize), beans, and squash together as a way of using each plant’s characteristics to support the others.

• • This combination of the supergrain amaranth, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and more creates a nutrient-dense protein bar ready on the go.

• • For those who enjoy the fall hunt and bring back fresh game meat to share with friends and family, this moose stew recipe is a perfect way to prepare and celebrate the animal that will nourish you through the winter months. However, those who don’t hunt or cook with game meat can easily substitute the moose meat with beef, bison, or any high-quality red meat.

• • Think soft strips of dough poached in an entire pot of grape juice. Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream.

Resources We Recommend

• For those with kids or working with kids:

If you are interested in helping to create opportunities to celebrate this occasion and others to come, please email Arielle Phillips-Law, Director of Justice, Equity, and Inclusion, at arielle.phillips@alvernia.edu. We would love to meet and connect with you!
 

Next Heritage Month

Black History Month in February. Please share anything that you would like included in our Black History Month email by January 10, 2027.