November is National American Indian Heritage Month, a month-long effort across the country that aims to recognize the contributions our country’s first people have made to the culture and growth of the United States. Approximately 1.2 percent of Multnomah County residents identify as American Indian or Alaska Natives, with 1.6 percent identifying statewide.
This period of historical reflection and acknowledgment of America’s first residents began at the beginning of the century as a one-day event, brought forward by a Seneca Indian who was director of the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Rochester, NY.
The first official “American Indian Day“ was declared by the governor of New York on the second Saturday in May 1916. The tradition continued as a one-day observance until President George H. W. Bush declared November 1990 as “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations have been made every year since 1994.
Multnomah County Library is hosting a series of events in order to celebrate National American Indian Heritage Month in our county. The first event is Friday, Nov. 5 at Midland Library, where Northstar Native American Dance Company will present cultural music, song, composition and dance. Other events include mask making, Native American storytelling, and a play performed by Emily Alexander from Tears of Joy Theatre. View a complete list of events.
The Oregon Historical Society’s traveling exhibit “Oregon is Indian Country,” produced in partnership with nine of Oregon’s federally recognized tribes, will be showing in several museums throughout the northwest this month. The exhibit teaches about cultures indigenous to Oregon through art, historical artifacts, photos and more. View the exhibit schedule.
The National Register of Historic Places is also highlighting historic locations across the country in order to promote appreciation for the history and culture of American Indians. One such location is Snoqualmie Falls in King County, WA. Learn more about the significance of Snoqualmie Falls.