Native American Heritage Month

Each November, Native American Heritage Month is observed to honor the rich ancestry, vibrant traditions, and enduring resilience of Indigenous peoples. First designated at the federal level as National American Indian Heritage Month by President George H.W. Bush in 1990 following decades of community advocacy, this commemoration highlights the sovereign nations who stewarded these lands for millennia prior to European settlement.

The month provides an important opportunity to reflect on California’s distinct tribal histories and recognize the foundational role Native communities continue to play across our region. Indigenous peoples have made profound contributions to our nation through land management practices, ecological knowledge, democratic ideals that influenced early American governance, and heroic military service. By exploring these vibrant histories and ongoing achievements, our school community ensures that Indigenous students see their heritage reflected in their education while all students gain a more complete understanding of American history.