November is Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month
Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month, observed each November, honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American and Alaska Native peoples. Its origins trace back to the early 1900s, when Native leaders such as Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca educator, and Rev. Sherman Coolidge, an Arapaho priest, advocated for national recognition through the Society of American Indians. After decades of advocacy, Congress designated November as National American Indian Heritage Month in 1990. Today, it is a time to celebrate Indigenous resilience and acknowledge Native peoples’ ongoing presence and contributions.
To honor this month, check out our colleague Curiosity Based's 2026 Native American and Alaska Native Authored Leadership Books. The list includes nonfiction and memoirs listed in alphabetical order. Other ideas for celebrating this month at your workplace include:
Hosting a lunch and learn with a Native speaker, being sure to provide an honorarium.
Find out whose land you are on using Native Land Digital and consider doing a land acknowledgement.
Donate to Native programs such as Real Rent Duwamish, Chief Seattle Club, Na'ah Illahee Fund, and more.
Spend at Native owned businesses. You can find ones near you using Intentionalist's guide.
Be sure to read our newsletter archives to read our interviews with bead artist Cynthia Masterson, who provides bead making team building workshops for organizations, and artist, writer, and singer Sondra Seguro.
