Editor’s Note:
November is Native American Heritage Month, so we connected with SEO Analyst Jenn Bauguess to hear about what this time means to her. Check out what she had to say below, followed by additional resources on how you can partake in honoring and celebrating the rich heritage of Native people.
In November, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month which offers an opportunity to recognize the different stories, traditions, and rich cultures of Native people, and celebrate the impact that indigenous people, and their tribes, have made throughout history.
It’s important to note that the month’s recognition encompasses Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Island communities, which include millions of people, hundreds of tribes, and thousands of years of history. We encourage you to spend some time this month learning the history of the term and month (we provided some resources below to help you get started).
As part of our celebration, we spoke with SEO Analyst Jenn Bauguess to learn about what this time means to her and the traditions her family maintains!
What does Native American Heritage Month mean to you?
“Being able to celebrate my Alaskan heritage after a nearly two-decade separation from my mother is something I cherish dearly. I am grateful to be able to pass on both sides of my son’s indigenous heritage (Naknek Yu’pik and Mississippi Choctaw) and teach him about the many different tribes of more than 1.7 million Native American and Native Alaskan people in our country.”
How do you celebrate your heritage?
“In my families, we celebrate our culture by rebuilding lost connections, remembering our past and those we have lost, and preserving our heritage through storytelling.”
Interested in learning more about Native American Heritage Month, but unsure of where to start? We’ve compiled a list of educational resources to help out. We hope you’ll join us in spending this time learning more about the history, impact, and cultures of Native people.
Ways to Celebrate:
- Learn the history of different Native communities
- Read about the Native American experience
- Attend an educational event that celebrates the heritage of Native American communities
- Discuss the current issues facing Native communities and learn about activism efforts to address them
- Buy from Native small business owners and artisans
- Listen to Native American musical artists and celebrate their art
- Get involved in Native American volunteer organizations