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Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

What is Native American Heritage Month? 

November is a time to recognize and honor the diverse traditions, cultures, and invaluable contributions of Native Americans. Native American Heritage Month, also referred to as American Indian or Alaska Native Heritage Month, has been officially observed since 1990, recognizing the remarkable contributions of Indigenous peoples. Its roots trace back to 1915 when Reverend Sherman Coolidge, an Arapahoe Episcopal priest and a passionate advocate for Native rights, initiated the call to commemorate American Indian Day every second Saturday of May. This annual observance provides an opportunity to honor the diverse traditions, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans (source).

Real Estate and Housing Policy Positively Impacting Native American Communities: 

This year, the Biden Administration has increased funding for nine Native American Community Development Institutions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is distributing $9 million through a re-lending program to support low-income families on tribal lands. Additionally, over $1 billion was allocated to address housing and infrastructure needs within Native communities (source). 

Why November? 

Each year since 1990, the President of the United States has officially designated the month of November as National Native American Heritage Month. This particular choice of November by Congress is rooted in the tradition of it marking the conclusion of the traditional harvest season, a time when Native Americans traditionally come together for acts of thanksgiving and celebration (source). 


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