By Sabrina Saleha
November is nationally recognized as Native American Heritage Month. It is a month of celebrating the beauty of indigenous cultures. Celebrating the enormous positive importance that indigenous people have brought to this country, but also remembering the horror of past and current mistreatment of indigenous communities who continue to fight for recognition, equality and peace.
1. Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Today and Every Day
On August 3, 1990, the month of November was recognized by former President George HW Bush as Native American Heritage Month. During this month, take time to recognize the people, culture, traditions, crafts, and music that existed in the United States before it became what we know today.
2. There are more 600 tribes in the USA
Each tribe has its own culture, language, food, dances, songs, stories and beliefs. Each nation has its own sovereignty and, contrary to the inaccurate portrayal of indigenous peoples in the media, Native Americans are not a monolith.
3. North Carolina is home to 8 tribes
North Carolina is home to the largest Native American population east of the Mississippi River.
- Eastern Band of Cherokee
- Coharie
- Lumbee
- Hailwa-Saponi
- Sapphire
- Meherrin
- Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation
- Waccamaw-Siouan
4. The Lumbee Recognition Act
On November 16, 2020, the United States House of Representatives unanimously approved the Lumbee Recognition Act which would give the Lumbee Nation federal recognition as a tribe. An arduous journey for the Lumbee Nation seeking full recognition since the 1800s.
The next step is to move the bill to the Senate and then to the Oval Office.
5. Recognize the terrain you are on
The land on which North Carolina State University sits is land originally managed by Tuscarora And Catawba to land.
Poole College of Management has displayed recognition of the territory last year outside.
Standardization land reconnaissance and learning what native land you are on weaves together indigenous contributions to American history. It helps prevent and undo harmful stereotypes and recognizes that Native history began well before 1492. It serves to tell the complete story that Native Americans are still here and will be here for many generations to come. come.
You can acknowledge the terrain you’re on at the start of meetings, by marking locations and events in your Instagram posts. Land acknowledgment is an essential first step in bringing healing and revitalization to Indigenous stories.
6. Decolonization is essential
As we begin to dissect the colonial legacy, it becomes clear that the indigenous narrative is either inaccurate or excluded from history. Erasure and hyper-invisibility are pervasive in Indigenous communities. This leads to collateral damage among indigenous people who constantly struggle for their existence and representation in all facets of society.
Decolonizing our stories is a way of reclaiming their culture and identity. It’s a way for non-Indigenous allies to support and celebrate Indigenous people.
7. There are Native American student organizations on campus
Native American organizations support the indigenous community and host many events throughout the year. In the past, they held their annual spring powwow, Rock your Mocs, and much more.
Learn more about NC State’s Native American student organizations:
Native American Student Association (NASA)
This organization was created to create community among Native American students here at NC State. NASA’s goal is to focus on the cultures of Native American ancestors and enrich the awareness of others on campus and the surrounding community. NASA is open to people of all races who are interested in learning more about the indigenous people of this land.
Native American Society of Science and Engineering (AISES)
The purpose of AISES is to promote Native American STEM recruitment, admission and retention at NC State University at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Their efforts include appropriate counseling and financial, academic, educational, and social resources.
Native American sororities and fraternities
- Alpha Pi Omega: the oldest Native American Greek-letter organization in the country
- Phi Sigma Nu: the first national Native American fraternity established and recognized by an institution of higher education.
- Sigma Omicron Epsilon: strives to promote the advancement of its members and Native Americans in higher education.
8. Discover the strengths of our Native American students
Meet Seth Locklear, a Native American student from the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina located in Pembroke. He has a degree in business administration with a concentration in information technology and a minor in sociology.
“Being a Native American student at a large university required an adjustment, especially moving from a very rural community to the densely populated city of Raleigh,” Locklear said. “I had a hard time. I tried to fit in for a very long time before realizing that I was different and that having a unique culture with varied values allowed me to stand out. Now I accept it.
