The term Native Peoples refers to the group of people who were the first ones to settle in an area. To be a descendant of Native Americans, just like I am, means that your ancestors were the first people originally living in America before the colonists settled.
When asked about the tribe of our ancestor’s, Samuel Cluett, my father, replied with, “My biological mother’s ancestors are from the tribe that are now known as the Mohawk Tribe.”
Even though the Native Americans had populated America many-many years ago, their descendants still populate America today. There are 574 American Indian tribes and Alaska Native entities across America that are recognized by the government. These tribes are descendants of the original Native American tribes that either kept the same tribal name or split off and created new tribes.
November is the celebratory month of Native American Heritage because in 1990, Congress passed the bill which George H.W Bush, the president at the time, signed into law, that designated November as the first National Native American Heritage Month. This year marks the 34th year that November has been recognized as Native American Heritage Month, which means that there have been many celebrations and traditions built up over the years.
There are some events occurring in the month of November at the National Museum of the American Indian, which consists of the Muscogee People Festival, the honoring of native veterans, and a performance to celebrate Native American Heritage Day. There are other events that tribes and smaller groups of people celebrate on their own such as visiting some places that are culturally preserved locations and spreading stories and tales about historical Native Americans and their struggles in the past.
As November continues, so does the celebration of Native American Heritage Month, which is a beautiful and special time for many people across America. The Native Americans and their descendants make up a great portion of our population so it’s only fitting that they get their own month, locations, and museums that can be used to celebrate their wonderful and honorable heritage.
