Native American Heritage Month — Honoring Truth, Culture, and Connection
- Diversity & Inclusion Ministry
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, diverse cultures, and enduring contributions of Native peoples. Established in 1990, this month invites education, reflection, and action — reminding us of both the beauty of Indigenous traditions and the injustices still faced by Native communities today.
While many in the United States celebrate Thanksgiving as a day of gratitude, many Native Americans observe the day as the National Day of Mourning, gathering at noon on Cole’s Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Since 1970, this observance has honored the ancestors lost to colonization and genocide, and it stands as a call to remember the true history of this land.
The plaque on Cole’s Hill reads in part:
“To them, Thanksgiving Day is a reminder of the genocide of millions of their people, the theft of their lands, and the relentless assault on their culture. Participants in the National Day of Mourning honor Native ancestors and the struggles of Native peoples to survive today.”
This month, and always, we are called to listen, learn, and walk in solidarity with Indigenous peoples, seeking right relationship with one another and with the earth that sustains us all.
Quote
“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” — Chief Seattle, Suquamish and Duwamish leader
These words remind us of our deep interconnectedness — to each other, to creation, and to the generations who came before and will come after.
Prayer
O Great Spirit,
Whose voice I hear in the wind and whose breath gives life to all the world, give us ears to hear the voices of the voiceless and strength to stand for what is right. May our hearts be filled with compassion and our hands busy with the work of healing. Bless the sacred ground beneath our feet and the wisdom of our elders. Grant us the vision to see the interconnectedness of all things and the courage to walk paths of justice and peace. Teach us the lessons of balance, gratitude, and harmony that creation continually offers.
Amen.
Action
Learn: Read books and poetry by Indigenous authors, and explore local tribal histories and contemporary issues of sovereignty.
Visit: Support Indigenous cultural centers, museums, or historical sites.
Support: Buy from Native-owned businesses and artists.
Listen: Attend lectures, webinars, or storytelling events to learn from Indigenous voices.
Reflect: Acknowledge the land where you live and worship; research the tribal nations connected to it.
