November is Native American Heritage Month (NAHM), and is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the histories, cultures, traditions and contributions of Native American people. This month-long celebration originates from an American Indian Day proposed by Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Senecan Indian, and taken up by the Boy Scouts of America. This day gained further recognition in 1915 when the annual Congress of the American Indian Association proclaimed American Indian Day to be the second Saturday of May. Similar efforts were made in the same year as Blackfoot Indian Red Fox James presented 24 state government endorsements to the White House for a national day of recognition. New York state was the first state to recognize American Indian Day in 1916, with several states making similar efforts in the following years. It wasn’t until 1990, however, that this day gained national recognition when President George H.W. Bush named November “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Since then, each president has recognized what has come to be called Native American Heritage Month.

  With this celebration of Native American heritage comes the opportunity to educate one another and oneself about the past and present experiences and challenges of Native Americans. There are countless ways to celebrate and educate with books, movies, documentaries, shows and podcasts. Below is a list of award-winning, critically acclaimed and accessible mediums to celebrate and understand Native American Heritage Month. 

Books

“Carry” by Toni Jensen is the historical account of a Native American woman as she recollects her experiences with gun violence in her country.

“Winter in the Blood” by James Welch: takes place on the Fort Belknap Reservation in Montana and follows a Native American man as he attempts to connect with the land of his ancestors. He also faces tragedies of his own.

“Code Talker” by Joseph Bruchac is one of the first novels to share the experiences of Navajo code talkers in the fight against Japan in World War II. Told through the lens of a fictional 16-year-old Navajo boy, the book recognizes the Navajo Marines’ effort in World War II.

“Ceremony” by Leslie Marmon Silko is one of the most profound works of Native American literature. It follows a Pueblo myth and has remained a classic since its publication almost 40 years ago.

“The Portable North American Indian Reader” by Various Authors is a collection of poetry, tales, myths and more from tribes like the Cherokee, Winnebago, Sioux, Blackfeet and Hopi.

“As Long as Grass Grows” by Dina Gilio-Whitaker is an overlap between Native American history, justice and environmental activism. Gilio-Whitaker explores violations made against Native Americans and their land that have also heavily impacted the environment.

“Almanac of the Dead” by Leslie Marmon Silko recreates the history and development of America through the lens of Native American tribes.

Films

“Four Sheets to the Wind” (2007) is a coming-of-age movie that follows American Indian Cufe after his father’s death as he explores life outside of the reservation.

“Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner” (2001) is the first film written and acted in the Inuktitut language. The cast is almost entirely Inuit, and the plot is based around an ancient myth of murder and love.

“Trudell” (2005) is a documentary about Native American poet and activist John Trudell. The documentary follows Trudell’s life from his Omaha childhood to the tragedies he faced to his activism.

“Dawnland” (2018) is a documentary about Indigenous child removal, the government-endorsed truth and reconciliation commission.

“RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World” (2017): is a documentary that follows the stories of Native American influencers in rock and roll.

“Without a Whisper” (2020) is a documentary about Indigenous suffragists and how Native Americans contributed to the fight for women’s rights.

“The Warrior Tradition” (2019) is a documentary about the untold experiences and stories of Native Americans in the U.S. military.

Podcasts

“All My Relations” is hosted by Matika Wilbur, from the Swinomish and Tulalip peoples, and Adrienne Keene, from the Cherokee Nation. They discuss being Native Americans in today’s world and representation.

“This Land” is hosted by Rebecca Nagle, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. This podcast discusses crimes, Supreme Court decisions and treaty rights of different tribes.

“Toasted Sister” is hosted by Andi Murphy, a Navajo journalist. She discusses Native American food and her culinary journey. She also provides recipes and culinary tutorials on her website.

“Native America Calling” is a live podcast linked to public radio stations to discuss issues facing Native Americans.

“Red Nation” is hosted by Nick Estes and Jen Marley. They discuss Native American history, culture and left-leaning politics. They created this podcast intending to educate, advocate and bring awareness to issues that affect Native Americans.

With these books, films and podcasts you can educate yourself about Native American heritage and culture and important issues faced.