Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, or as it is commonly referred to, American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. It also provides the opportunity to raise 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.
A Few Fun Facts: Did you know that?
- As of 2019, 2% of the U.S. population identified as American Indian or Alaska Native, which is around 6 million Americans.
- More than 27,000 people who identify as American Indian currently live in Pennsylvania.
- The states with the largest Native American population are Arizona, California, and Oklahoma.
- The two largest Native American tribes are Cherokee Nation and Navajo Nation. Learn more
- Hammock, barbecue and chocolate are three common words that come from Native American languages. Interested in learning a few more? Learn more
- The PBS Show, Molly of Denali, is the first to feature a Native American lead.