National Native American Heritage Month

National Native American Heritage Month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the diverse cultural heritage, history, and contributions of Native Americans. Originally established as Native American Awareness Week by President Gerald Ford in 1976 under Proclamation 4468, it was later expanded to a full month by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, making November National Native American Heritage Month.

This month provides a meaningful opportunity to recognize the traditions, history, and achievements of Native Americans. With over 500 federally recognized tribes in the United States, this month we reflect on the ongoing contributions of Native Americans to society and reaffirming our commitment to understanding their vital role in our shared history. As part of our observance, we are showcasing unaltered historical materials from our collection, including books that may contain outdated and offensive images or language.

While we acknowledge that some of these terms and depictions are harmful, our intention is to present them in their original context for educational and research purposes. We do not endorse or support the offensive ideas presented but believe that their inclusion can offer valuable insights into historical perspectives and foster thoughtful discussion.
 

Cover of A History of Indian Policy

A History of Indian Policy

U.S. Department of the Interior

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of U.S. Indian policy history, offering a concise resource for students, educators, government employees, and general readers. It serves as a unified reference to better understand the evolution and impact of these policies.

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Cover of Native American Arts

Native American Arts

U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service

This document explores the David T. Vernon Collection of Native American Arts, focusing on works from tribes in the northern Plains and western Woodlands created between 1850 and 1952. The western Woodlands tribes, including the Chippewa, Kickapoo, Menomini, Potawatomi, Winnebago, Sauk, and Fox, lived in the Great Lakes region's forested areas. In contrast, the northern Plains tribes, such as the Dakota, Blackfeet, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Crow, resided in the grasslands.

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Cover of Ancient Native Americans in Rock Creek Park

Ancient Native Americans in Rock Creek Park

U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service

This document explores the history of ancient Native Americans in Rock Creek Park, detailing their cultural and historical significance in the region.

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Cover of 20th Century Warriors

20th Century Warriors: Native American Participation in the United States Military

U.S. Department of Defense

This book examines the significant roles and contributions of Native Americans in the U.S. military throughout the 20th century. The book highlights their service in various conflicts, showcasing their bravery and the cultural and personal impacts of their military involvement.

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Cover of The Indian tribes of North America

The Indian Tribes of North America

Smithsonian Institution

The book serves as a reference for understanding the diversity and complexity of Native American societies before and during European contact.

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Cover of Native Villages and Village Sites East of the Mississippi

Native Villages and Village Sites East of the Mississippi

Smithsonian Institution

The book provides detailed descriptions of village sites, offering insights into the social and economic aspects of indigenous life prior to European contact.

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Cover of Native Cemeteries and Forms of Burial East of the Mississippi

Native Cemeteries and Forms of Burial East of the Mississippi

Smithsonian Institution

The book examines various indigenous burial customs, grave goods, and cemetery structures, highlighting the diversity and complexity of pre-contact and early contact-era mortuary practices.

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Cover of Muskogean Charm Songs Among the Oklahoma Cherokees

Muskogean Charm Songs Among the Oklahoma Cherokees

Smithsonian Institution

This book explores the influence of Muskogean languages on Cherokee charm songs. It details how Cherokee medicine men use charm songs written in the Sequoyah syllabary, often in Muskogean languages like Creek or Natchez, and examines the adaptation of these languages into the Cherokee script and their integration into Cherokee magical practices.

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Cover of Famous Indians

Famous Indians: A Collection of Short Biographies

U.S. Department of the Interior

Provides brief biographies of important Native American figures, including Pocahontas, Tecumseh, Sequoya, Sacagawea, Geronimo, Crazy Horse, and Sitting Bull.

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Cover of In the Valley of the Ancients

In the Valley of the Ancients: A Book of Native American Legends

U.S. Department of the Interior

Stories from the rich oral tradition of the native people of the Southwest as told by a storyteller. Tales of wandering, cultivation myths, wise riddles, and other stories introduce readers to the unwritten history of Native American culture.

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Upcoming Event

Photo of Michael Williams

Speaker at the Center: Author Michael G. Williams and Arcane Carolinas Volume 2

December 12, 2024, 6:00 PM

Join us at our next Speaker at the Center series on Thursday, December 12th, at 6 p.m. for an author talk featuring author and podcast co-host Michael G. Williams. Michael will discuss Arcane Carolinas Volume 2 while also exploring some South Carolina holiday-themed ghost tales.

This Week