Digital Display Guides: Native Americans Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native American peoples.

• November was designated as Native American Heritage Month by Congress in 1990 to recognize the significant contributions the first peoples of this land have made to the United States.

• During November, Native communities hold events and festivals to share their traditions, perspective, art, dance, food, and more. It is a time to educate others about Native American history, including topics like tribal sovereignty, land rights, and the impacts of colonialism.

• The goal of the month is to gain wider appreciation for Native American culture while also spreading awareness of the ongoing struggles facing Native communities related to health, education, poverty, discrimination, and infringement on tribal sovereignty.

• There is immense diversity among Native peoples, with 574 federally recognized tribes throughout the U.S. and dozens of unrecognized tribes. Each nation has unique traditions, so Native American Heritage Month is a time to learn about their differences as well as common experiences.

SAC will celebrate Native American Heritage Month through November with the theme “Embracing Indigenous Identities and Connecting Native Pīlam of Yanaguana.” Here are the first events of the celebration:

Making the Invisible Visible

Wednesday, Nov. 1
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
NAHC 218

Learn the current landscape of Bexar County's Indigenous and Native American Community in Yanaguana. The "Thriving Cities Report," presented by American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions (AIT-SCM), will discuss the needs of the Yanaguana community and what it will take to thrive.

Author Julian “Ānua” Reyes

Thursday, Nov. 2
12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
NAHC 218

Local indigenous author and researcher Julian “Ānua” Reyes will speak on his research of Indigenous language reclamation and the transition of existing as a Native American in San Antonio.

NAHM Market Day

Tuesday, Nov. 7
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SAC Mall and LSC Fiesta Room

Bring your gift list and shop for crafts and art made by local Native and Indigenous vendors. Enjoy fry bread made by REZ'Rvation Only food truck. Participate in a live art project and learn to drum to the beat of ancient drums.

Embracing 2Spirit Identities

Wednesday, Nov. 8
10:50 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
NAHC 218

In collaboration with Rainbow Heritage Month, this presentation is titled “Embracing 2Spirit Identities: Reconceptualizing Black, Native, and Afro-Indigenous queerness on Tāp Tāi.” Lunch will be provided.