Native American Heritage Month

nov is native am heritage month

November 2023

Native American Heritage Month is a designated month in the United States that celebrates and recognizes the rich and diverse cultures, histories, contributions, and achievements of Native Americans, including American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. It is observed throughout the month of November.

The observance of Native American Heritage Month has its roots in efforts to raise awareness about the unique cultural and historical significance of Native American communities, as well as to promote understanding and appreciation of their traditions, art, languages, and customs. It provides an opportunity for Native Americans to share their heritage and for the broader population to learn about and acknowledge the enduring impact of Native American cultures on the nation's history.

During this month, various educational and cultural events, programs, and activities take place across the country. Schools, museums, cultural centers, and organizations often hold exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and performances to honor Native American traditions and foster greater understanding and respect for Native American peoples. It's also a time to reflect on the challenges that many Native American communities face and to work towards addressing them through advocacy and support.

Native American Heritage Month serves as an important reminder of the diverse and significant contributions of Native Americans to the United States and the need for continued recognition and understanding of their cultures and histories.

Wednesdays with Williams

Raising Awareness of Native American Culture - November 8, 2023

Rock Your Mocs

November 30, 2023

Established 2011, Rock Your Mocs, is best described as a worldwide Native American & Indigenous Peoples virtual unity event held annually and during November National Native American Heritage Month in the U.S.A. During the Rock Your Mocs, people wear their moccasins, take a photo, create a video or story, add the hashtag #ROCKYOURMOCS

Native American Social

November 30, 2023

McKinley High School 1500 Elmwood Ave.

Come join us for food, singing, and dancing!

Co-sponsored by: Native American Resource Program and Native American Community Services (with funding provided by the USDHHS--ACF Administration for Native Americans)

Contact: Bruce Wallace btwallace@buffaloschools.org 716-816-3183

November 30, 2023  McKinley High School 1500 Elmwood Ave.  Come join us for food, singing, and dancing!  Co-sponsored by: Native American Resource Program and Native American Community Services (with funding provided by the USDHHS--ACF Administration for Native Americans)  Contact: Bruce Wallace btwallace@buffaloschools.org 716-816-3183

Door Decorating Contest

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, we would like to invite you to decorate your doors showing off Indigenous leaders. Using the attached rubric, each school is invited to select a door for submission to the districtwide contest. Please feel free to modify the rubric to meet your specific building ’s needs. A panel of judges will select the winning entry to be featured in the Native American Resource Program newsletter and on the district website. Please see participation guidelines below.

Contact: Bruce Wallace btwallace@buffaloschools.org 716-816-3184

Door Decorating Contest Dear BPS Staff, In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, we would like to invite you to decorate your doors showing off Indigenous leaders. Using the attached rubric, each school is invited to select a door for submission to the districtwide contest. Please feel free to modify the rubric to meet your specific building ’s needs. A panel of judges will select the winning entry to be featured in the Native American Resource Program newsletter and on the district website. Please see participation guidelines below. GUIDELINES    THE CONTEST IS OPTIONAL. THE BUILDING WINNER MUST BE SENT TO NARP COORIDNATOR BRUCE WALLACE VIA EMAIL (BTWALLACE@BUFFALOSCHOOLS.ORG) BY 5:00 PM WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023. DECORATIONS SHOULD BE RELATED TO THE THEME, “INDIGENOUS LEADERS,” AND MUST BE CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE. ENTRIES MUST BE DESIGNED AND COMPLETED BY STUDENTS OR WILL OTHERWISE BE DISQUALIFIED. ALL DECORATIONS SHOULD BE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE DOOR. DECORATIONS SHOULD NOT COVER ANY WINDOWS ON THE DOOR. DECORATIONS SHOULD BE FASTENED TO THE DOOR USING PAINTERS TAPE TO NOT DAMAGE ANY DOORS. DECORATIONS SHOULD NOT PERMANENTLY CHANGE THE DOOR (EVERYTHING THAT IS ATTACHED SHOULD BE DETACHABLE WHEN THE CONTEST IS OVER). Contact: Bruce Wallace btwallace@buffaloschools.org 716-816-3184