ACPS Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated in November to honor the heritage and accomplishments of our continent’s first inhabitants. The 2023 theme is "Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity," as we recognize the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who enrich our nation with their countless contributions. This month we celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and affiliated Island communities to ensure their rich histories and achievements continue to flourish with each passing generation.

The roots of this month-long celebration began with an effort to have a day of appreciation and acknowledgment for the unique contributions made by the first Americans for the growth and establishment of the United States. “American Indian Day” was first declared in May 1916. In 1990, a joint resolution that called for November to be named National American Heritage Month was approved by President George H.W. Bush. National Native American Month was declared in 2009, by President Barack Obama. The Department of Interior now recognizes November as National Native American Heritage Month.

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is excited to celebrate National Native American Heritage Month in various ways. The Early Childhood Center is hosting a themed read aloud highlighting "Finding My Dance" by Ria Thundercloud, "Fry Bread" by Kevin Noble Maillard, "We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga" by Traci Sorell and "Mama, Do You Love Me?" by Barbara M. Joose.

Many different Indigenous peoples lived in and traveled through the area that eventually became Alexandria. The Potomac River made the land a popular area to fish and trade. Federally recognized tribes and nations in Virginia include Chickahominy, Chickahominy Eastern Division, Monacan, Nansemond, the Pamunkey, Rappahannock and Upper Mattaponi. Virginia’s state recognized tribes and nations are the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway), Chickahominy, Chickahominy Eastern Division, Mattaponi, Monacan, Nansemond, Nottoway, Pamunkey, Patawomeck, Rappahannock and Upper Mattaponi.

In celebration of Native American heritage, the Alexandria Library has highlighted various books representing a range of reading levels. The library also provides a full catalog of additional resources.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in the District of Columbia has events planned to celebrate National Native American Heritage Month. On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the museum’s Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces event honors the generations of Native Americans who have served in the armed forces of the United States since the American Revolution.