During National Native American Heritage Month in November we celebrate and honor the vibrant cultures of Native people in Washington state and beyond. While acknowledging past and present injustices and standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples' pursuit of justice, we join in celebration of their diverse cultures, sovereign identities, and vital presence that weaves beauty, wisdom, and strength into the fabric of society.
This month offers many opportunities to celebrate Native cultures by attending Indigenous events, supporting Native artists, and learning about the Washington’s many tribal communities. Here are just a few:
Events
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United Indians of All Tribes Foundation – Daybreak Star: Events from Nov. 2 – Dec. 21
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Veterans Day is a huge day in many Native American communities. American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians have enlisted and volunteered for the armed services at a higher rate than any other ethnicity. Veterans Day pow wows are one way to honor veterans.
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R.E.D Friday, Remember Everyone Deployed. Nov. 8. Wear red to remember everyone deployed and show your support for those who defend our rights and create a safer America for our Indigenous families.
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Daybreak Start Cultural Center, Nov. 9, 2024
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Family Day: Native American Heritage Month and Veteran’s Day Celebration Nov. 11, White River Valley Museum, Auburn
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Native American Comedy Jam, Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino, Nov. 8
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Potlach Fund: Celebrating Indigenuity Annual Fundraising Gal, Nov. 9, Poulsbo, WA.
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First Foods Festival, Nov. 9, Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA
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Rock your Mocs: Worldwide social media event, Nov. 10-16
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Murdered and Missing Indigenous Peoples Community Resources Presentation & Listening Session, Yakama Nation Cultural Center, Nov. 14, 2024
More resources: Books, Videos, Podcasts
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National Native American Heritage Month – Regional Events and Resources, from KNKX radio. Resources include: curated events, booklists, and more.
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Native American Heritage Month: Acknowledging, Remembering, and Uplifting Indigenous Roots: events, heritage sites, indigenous business to support compiled by Visit Seattle.
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Book: Native American Heritage Month: A History of Systematic Land Theft
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Books by Native American Authors on the Spokane Library website
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A History of Military Service: Native Americans in the U.S. Military Yesterday and Today
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Curriculum: Since Time Immemorial: tribal culture and history curriculum required in WA public schools
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Oral Histories: Warrior Women Project: centered on Indigenous matriarchy and movement building
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Oral Histories & Photography: Project 562: documenting 562 federally recognized tribes, created by Matika Wilbur
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Podcast: All My Relations: hosted by Matika Wilbor (Swinomish and Tulalip) and Adrienne Keene (Cherokee Nation) to explore relationships to land, to creatural relatives, and to one another
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Podcast list: Nia Tero: amplifies and uplifts Indigenous narratives and creative endeavors
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Podcast: This Land: host Rebecca Nagle reports on history of custody battles over Native children
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Video Documentary: American Holocaust of Native American Indians
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Video: C-SPAN Cities Tour – Olympia: The Boldt Decision and Native American Fishing Rights
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Video: Great Tribal Leaders of Modern Times: Billy Frank, Jr.
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Video: The Canoe Way: documents the annual Tribal Journeys of Pacific Northwest Coast Salish people.