Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month

(November 1 - November 30)

Across IU's campuses, individuals are celebrating the work and cultures of Native and Indigenous communities bringing the contemporary Native experience to the forefront. A month-long schedule of events, activities, and programming on IU's campuses aims to help people learn about and honor Native communities, cultures, and traditions with the Indiana University community.

Efforts to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of Native Americans date back to as early as 1916 when New York became the first state to declare an "American Indian Day."

In 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial commemoration, S.J. Res. 209 authorized President Gerald Ford to proclaim October 10-16 as "Native American Awareness Week." In 1986, Congress passed S.J. Res. 390, requesting that the president designate November 23–30, 1986, as "American Indian Week."

A month-long recognition of Native Americans did not occur until 1990 when President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month. The observance has since expanded to celebrate the heritage, history, art, and traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Digital Tools

Campus communities have access to a wide variety of digital tools, including Zoom backgrounds, social profile images, and Snapchat filters, to further support Native American Heritage Month.