STG resource guide: Native American Heritage Month

November is recognized as Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American peoples. This month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by Native communities and to celebrate the resilience, strength, and wisdom of these vibrant cultures. By taking the time to learn about and appreciate the traditions and perspectives of Native American peoples, we can work towards building a more inclusive and diverse society. The resource list below is a list of curated resources available for all to learn about how to honor and celebrate Native American Heritage Month. 

Educational materials:

About Native American Heritage Month:

• "Native American Heritage Month" by the National Park Service: This website provides information on the history and significance of Native American Heritage Month, as well as links to resources for learning more about Native American cultures.
• "11 Things to Know About Native American Heritage Month" by Teen Vogue: This article offers a concise overview of the history, significance, and celebration of Native American Heritage Month, along with some suggestions for how to get involved.
• "Native American Heritage Month: Facts and History" by History.com: This article provides a detailed history of Native American Heritage Month, including its origins and the significance of the month of November in Native American cultures.
• "Recognizing Native American Heritage Month" by the Library of Congress: This blog post highlights some of the Library of Congress's resources for learning about Native American history and culture, as well as its efforts to promote greater understanding and appreciation of Native American peoples.
• "6 Ways to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month" by Native Hope: This article provides some practical suggestions for how to honor and celebrate Native American cultures and traditions during the month of November.
• "Honoring Our Nation's First People: Native American Heritage Month" by the National Endowment for the Humanities: This article explores the history and significance of Native American Heritage Month, as well as the important contributions of Native American peoples to American history and culture. It also includes a list of recommended readings for further exploration.

Books:

• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
• Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac
• The Round House by Louise Erdrich
• Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
• An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Films:

• Smoke Signals (1998)
• The Business of Fancydancing (2002)
• Rhymes for Young Ghouls (2013)
• Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World (2017)
• The Cherokee Word for Water (2013):
• Powwow Highway (1989)

Community events:

• "Indigenous Peoples Day" - Held annually on the second Monday in October, Indigenous Peoples Day is a celebration of Native American cultures and histories and offers a variety of events and activities throughout Seattle.
• "Chief Seattle Days" - Celebrated in mid-August, Chief Seattle Days is a three-day festival that celebrates the life and legacy of Chief Seattle, a Duwamish Tribe leader who played an important role in the early history of Seattle. The festival features traditional Native American music, dance, art, and food.
• "Seattle Indian Market" - Held in November, the Seattle Indian Market brings together Native American artists and artisans from across the Pacific Northwest to showcase their work, including pottery, weaving, beadwork, and jewelry.
• "Native American Thanksgiving Celebration" - Hosted by the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, this annual event celebrates the contributions of Native Americans to the Pacific Northwest and features traditional food, music, and dance performances.
• "Weaving the World" - This exhibition at the Seattle Art Museum showcases the work of Native American weavers and explores the connections between weaving and the natural world. 

Native American-owned businesses:

To find even more organizations to support, visit the Intentionalist — a site that "makes it easy to find and support local small businesses and the diverse people behind them through everyday decisions about where we eat, drink, and shop"

Shops:

• Eighth Generation - Eighth Generation is a Seattle-based company that specializes in creating unique Native-designed products, including blankets, clothing, and accessories.
• Indigenous Roots - Indigenous Roots is a Seattle-based shop that features traditional Native American jewelry, art, and clothing, as well as Native-made beauty and wellness products.
• Raven's Nest Treasure -  Raven's Nest Treasure is a Seattle-based shop that specializes in Native American-made arts and crafts, including jewelry, pottery, and carvings.
• Seattle Sundries - Seattle Sundries is a Seattle-based company that creates handmade soaps and skincare products using natural ingredients.
• Cedar and Saguaro -  Cedar and Saguaro is a Seattle-based shop that features Native-designed clothing and accessories, as well as prints and paintings.

Restaurants:

• Off the Rez - The restaurant specializes in Native American-inspired cuisine, including fry bread tacos and Indian tacos.
• 8 Arms Bakery - 8 Arms Bakery is a Seattle-based bakery that specializes in handmade bread and pastries, including fry bread and other traditional Native American baked goods.
• Salish Lodge Dining Room - The Salish Lodge Dining Room is owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe and offers a fine dining experience with a focus on local and Native-inspired cuisine.
• Cafe Ohana - Cafe Ohana is a Seattle-based cafe that features Native-inspired dishes, including fry bread sandwiches and buffalo chili.
• Frybread House - Frybread House is a food truck that specializes in traditional Navajo fry bread and offers a range of toppings, including savory and sweet options.

Support and activist groups and organizations:

• Seattle Indian Health Board - The Seattle Indian Health Board is a community health center that provides medical and dental care, behavioral health services, and other resources to Native American people in the Seattle area.
• United Indians of All Tribes Foundation - The United Indians of All Tribes Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to support Native American people in the Seattle area through a range of programs and services, including education, cultural preservation, and social services.
• Chief Seattle Club - The Chief Seattle Club is a non-profit organization that provides a range of services to Native American people experiencing homelessness in Seattle, including meals, shelter, and support services.
• Native American Youth and Family Center - While this organization is based in Portland, Oregon, it serves the entire Pacific Northwest region, including Seattle. The Native American Youth and Family Center provides a range of services to Native American youth and families, including education, housing, and social services.
• Indigenous Peoples Institute at Seattle University - The Indigenous Peoples Institute at Seattle University is dedicated to advancing Native American education and scholarship and offers a range of programs and events for Native American students and community members.