November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich histories, diverse cultures, enduring traditions, and significant contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples. This month provides an opportunity for reflection and education on the history, cultures, and traditions of Native Americans. It provides a time to recognize the deep ongoing connection Indigenous peoples have to the land, and to reflect on our shared responsibility to learn from and support Indigenous sovereignty, knowledge and resilience.
As a campus community, we recognize the importance of honoring Indigenous peoples not only during this month, but throughout the year. We encourage our community to engage with Indigenous perspectives and explore opportunities to celebrate and support Indigenous Voices.
The origins of Native American Heritage Month can be traced back to the early 20th century when Native American advocate Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca archaeologist and historian, first proposed a day of recognition for Indigenous people. In 1915, he successfully convinced the Boy Scouts of America to designate an “American Indian Day." Over time, this idea grew into a nationwide effort. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush officially approved a joint resolution in November as "National American Indian Heritage Month." Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994. In 2021 and 2022, President Biden proclaimed Oct. 11 and 10 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Since then, Native American Heritage Month has continued to grow in significance and recognition across the United States
At UHart, we acknowledge that UHart is located on historical homelands. Please read the University of Hartford Land Acknowledgment Statement below.
University of Hartford Land Acknowledgement Statement:
We acknowledge that the University of Hartford resides on the historic homelands of the Poquonocks, Wangunks and Tunxis; and that what is now called Connecticut encompasses the homelands of the Wappinger, Schaghticoke, Golden Hill Paugussett, Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, Eastern Pequot, Nipmuc, Quinnipiac, Niantic, and Lenape, as well as other Indigenous Peoples. We honor, respect, and appreciate the relationship that exists among these communities, nations, lands, and waterways, and aspire to uphold our responsibilities according to their example of stewardship.
Amplifying Indigenous Voices
In 2021, Amplifying Indigenous Voices was created to support the honoring of the identities, history, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans. A land acknowledgement was created under the guidance of the Clan Mother of the Golden Hill Paugussett tribe in Trumbull, Conn. We encourage everyone across the University to continue their own learning and understanding of Indigenous cultures and identities. If you are interested in joining the circle, please email Judy Wyman at wyman@hartford.edu or Bevin Rainwater at rainwater@hartford.edu.
As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month both on campus and off, we invite our community to engage in various programs and events organized in our community.
A Celebration of the Indigenous People of Connecticut
- Nov. 1, 10 a.m.–noon
- New Pond Farm Education Center, 101 Marchant Road, Redding CT, 06896
- This hands-on, family program will include cooking demonstrations around the fire, opportunities to try traditional chores like grinding corn and scraping a hide, simple games, and more. Register here
Native American Paper Ribbon Skirts (Ages 6-12)
- Nov. 16, 3 p.m.–4 p.m.
- Dwight Library, Hartford Public Library
- Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a paper ribbon skirt craft inspired by What Your Ribbon Skirt Means to Me by Alexis Bunten.
The Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging encourages everyone to further explore the resources below to engage with Native American Heritage Month.
Organizations
Map
Books
- An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States (ReVisioning History)
- If You Lived During the Plymouth Thanksgiving
- Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story
- Native American History: Accurate & Comprehensive History, Origins, Culture, Tribes, Legends, Mythology, Wars, Stories & More of The Native Indigenous Americans
- The True Story Of Thanksgiving, Smallpox And Native Genocide (History As We Never Knew It)
Websites
- Native American Books | First Nations Development Institute
- Native American Heritage Month | American Association of School Libraries
- Native American Heritage Month | New York Public Library
- 11 Ways to Decolonize Your Thanksgiving and Honor Native Peoples | Cultural Survival
Videos
- The Native Civil Rights Movement: Ep 15 of Crash Course Native American History
- Understanding Native American Heritage- NBCU Academy
Questions/Comments? Contact the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging at OIEB@hartford.edu.