Honoring the heritage of Indigenous peoples

Since 1990, Congress has authorized an annual presidential proclamation that designates the month of November as Native American Heritage Month. It officially recognizes Indigenous peoples as the country’s original inhabitants and for their essential contributions to the United States. November was selected due to its cultural significance as the month when their traditional harvest season ends.

The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger stands in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and nations. This month and throughout the year, we want to bring attention to the culture, history, traditions, and achievements of the original inhabitants and their descendants of our lands – and their sacred connection to the land and its resources.

We also acknowledge the challenges that Indigenous communities have endured and continue to face today due to genocide and displacement by colonialism and U.S. public policy. This includes their rights and dignity for food sovereignty, land, and water. (Read our recent blog post about why we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day.)

Here are a few ways that you can honor Indigenous peoples and communities this month:

• Find out what native land you live on and learn more about those nations and Tribes.

• Heed Indigenous wisdom and experience with soil and ecosystem health by learning about and adding more native plants to your area.

• Donate time and money to Indigenous-led organizations.

• Explore Written on the Land, hosted by History Colorado – an equitable approach of sharing heritage, all told from the perspectives and in the voices of today’s Ute people.

• Educate yourself about current matters impacting Indigenous peoples in Colorado and beyond. Here are some news stories:

  • USDA food program delivery delays to Tribes

  • Tribes won’t be paid for unused water through a federal fund, but Colorado lawmakers want that to change

  • Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes seeking fair treatment from the State of Colorado

• Find local opportunities in your area. The Tesoro Cultural Center in Morrison hosts an American Indian storytelling hour every other Sunday this fall.

• Read the Blueprint’s land acknowledgment, written by a local leader within the American Indian Movement, which concludes with ways you, too, can stand in solidarity.