Happy National Native American Heritage Month!

National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated by exploring topics related to Native American history and contemporary life. Before European colonization, North America was home to diverse native societies with rich cultures, deep knowledge of their environments, complex belief systems, and long-standing traditions in music and visual arts. Initial contact between natives and colonists varied widely, but the years following were disastrous for native peoples due to disease, warfare, and population decline. US policies of removal and forced assimilation further impacted native communities. More recently, Native Americans have begun to shift their narrative through contributions to WWII and involvement in the Civil Rights movement. Language revitalization programs are crucial for preserving native languages and cultures. Today, Native Americans continue to innovate ways to preserve and share their heritage.