November is Native American Heritage Month, or American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.  The first presidential declaration of Native American Heritage Month occurred in 1990 by President George W.H. Bush.  

This celebration began in 1976 when a Cherokee/Osage Indian named Jerry C. Elliott-High Eagle authored Native American Awareness Week legislation for the first historical week of recognition in the nation for native peoples. This led to President President Reagan proclaiming November 23-30, 1986, as "American Indian Week."

The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Heritage Month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

To learn more, visit the library's Native American Heritage Month Virtual Display.