November is widely recognized as a month dedicated to expressing gratitude and commemorating the tradition of Thanksgiving. Nevertheless, it is crucial that we pay homage to and celebrate the enduring contributions of the indigenous communities, who, throughout history, endured profound losses of their ancestral lands, lives, and significant aspects of their rich cultural heritage.
November is Native American Heritage Month, and in this article we’ll talk about why we should celebrate it, and how your business can get involved.
The History of Native American Heritage Month
The origins of Native American Heritage Month (also referred to as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month) can be traced back to the early 20th century. Various groups and people advocated for a day of recognition, and over time, the day to honor was ultimately extended to a month.
Quick Facts:
- The first American Indian Day was celebrated in May 1916 in New York. Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, rode horseback from state to state to acquire endorsements from 24 state governments in order to designate a day to honor American Indians.
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In 1986, President Reagan proclaimed November 23–30 as American Indian Week, which would typically fall alongside American Thanksgiving.
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Four years later, President George H. W. Bush designated the entire month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month.
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In 2011, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation as well
How Your Business Can Celebrate
As an independent business owner, you have the opportunity to support this meaningful observance while fostering inclusivity & cultural appreciation. Here are a few ways you can honor and celebrate Native American Heritage Month at your business.
Simply Ask
Oftentimes, we make assumptions rather than asking questions. To truly find out how your business can participate, brainstorm ideas with your employees, or find a local Native American cultural organization to get firsthand knowledge for how best to incorporate this recognition within your business.
Support a Native American Business
Collaborate with Native American entrepreneurs and businesses to promote their products or services. This not only supports the indigenous community but can also attract a wider customer base looking for unique, ethically sourced products. With the holiday season just around the corner, there’s no better time to start checking items off your own list as well. Get started, here.
Philanthropic Initiatives & Events
Support indigenous causes and organizations through charitable donations or community engagement. Demonstrating social responsibility can enhance a company's reputation and customer loyalty.
Explore Stories
Our Vagaro brand partner, Paula Peralta, recently sat down with Quannah Chasinghorse on her podcast, The Paula Peralta Show. Quannah is an Indigenous activist, land protector, model & actor, and she joins Paula to talk about her journey on building a career as a Native American in the industry. Hear Quannah’s full episode, here.
Long-term Commitment
Avoid token gestures and demonstrate a genuine, long-term commitment to celebrating Indigenous heritage. Building lasting relationships and alliances with Indigenous communities can lead to sustainable benefits for both your business and the Indigenous population.
Native American Heritage Month is a valuable opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage of Indigenous communities. As a small business owner, you can actively participate in this celebration by asking and collaborating with Native American groups, hosting educational events, and supporting marginalized businesses. By doing so, you not only honor Native American heritage, but you also contribute to a more equitable society.
Vagaro is committed to providing business owners with the tools to both boost their success and lead an organization they can be proud of. For more information on Vagaro, click here.