Denise Dickgieser’s Post

This week offers two holidays: Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day. They are entwined in history and meaning. But not everyone knows what Native American Heritage Day is or how to celebrate it. Today is the day for all Americans to honor Native American history and contributions. So often Native people are depicted in terms of suffering – but over the past five centuries, our Tribal nations have persevered, innovated, and achieved in significant ways that deserve more recognition. Our blog post offers 8 ways to honor that. To be clear, we think gathering with family and honoring our blessings is always a good thing. It’s the whitewashed mythology and erasure of genocide that’s the problem. Give thought to Native American communities today. Share the real history of the holiday. And if you can, join others in building an America that offers abundance and nourishment for everyone. #nativeamericanheritageday #indigenoushistory #americanhistory #thanksgiving

I had a delightful Thanksgiving with my loved ones, and I sincerely hope all my friends and colleagues did the same! Whether family is the one we were born into or the one we found, pausing to cherish the people and relationships that matter most is invaluable. As we reflect on gratitude and togetherness, it's equally important to recognize Thanksgiving's historical complexities. While it has become a celebration of unity, its origins are deeply tied to colonization, land expropriation, and the erasure of Indigenous peoples. Figures like Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, William Bradford, and John Winthrop symbolize a legacy of exploitation that shaped the United States' foundations. Those of us not of Indigenous descent benefit from this imperialist legacy, residing on lands taken without consent. As we celebrated yesterday, today -Native American Heritage Day - is an opportunity to honor the resilience and traditions of North America’s first peoples while acknowledging the cost of our history. Moving forward, we have a responsibility to engage in meaningful change. By respecting Indigenous autonomy, advocating for honest portrayals of history, and preserving cultural patrimony, we can begin to address past injustices. This isn’t about guilt - it’s about action. Together, we can build a future that honors and uplifts the legacies of Native American communities while creating space for reconciliation and mutual respect. #Thanksgiving #NativeAmericanHeritageDay #CulturalPreservation #History #Preservationists #IndigenousArchaeology

November is Native American Heritage Month! This month, we honor and celebrate the rich history, resilience, and vibrant cultures of Indigenous communities across the United States. Native American heritage is woven deeply into our country’s story, bringing forth traditions, wisdom, and values that continue to shape our society in meaningful ways. Let’s take this time to listen, learn, and recognize the invaluable contributions Indigenous peoples have made in areas such as art, agriculture, medicine, environmental stewardship, and governance. By celebrating Native voices, achievements, and histories, we create space for greater understanding, respect, and allyship. Here are a few ways to join the celebration: **Educate yourself about Indigenous history and cultures through books, films, and events. **Support Native-owned businesses, artists, and organizations. **Engage in conversations that elevate Native voices and perspectives. Together, we can foster a more inclusive future that respects and honors the deep roots of Native American heritage. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #CelebrateIndigenousCultures #HonorNativeVoices #ZeroBarriers #CommunityImpact #SocialResponsibility #SharedResponsibility

This month, we celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans to our society. It's a time to honor the first peoples of this land and to learn more about their diverse histories and ongoing influence. This month provides an opportunity to educate ourselves about tribes, to raise awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and today, and to celebrate the vast contributions of Native Americans to our society. How will you be recognizing National Native American Heritage Month? Share your plans or favorite resources in the comments! #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #CelebrateIndigenousCultures

The observance of Native American Day focuses on the history, heritage, and culture of tribes across the country. Today is all about celebrating the irreplaceable heritage, contributions, and knowledge of the Native American populations. It is also a day to remember the enduring legacy of their fortitude, energy, and strength. Native American Day is about appreciating the long history of culture and traditions that Native Americans have preserved through the centuries. https://lnkd.in/ewx8yYjm

🌎 Did You Know? November is Native American Heritage Month! 🌎 This month, we recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American communities across the United States. Here are a few facts to help raise awareness: 1️⃣ Diverse Nations: There are 574 federally recognized Native American tribes, each with unique languages, traditions, and histories. 2️⃣ Enduring Contributions: Native Americans have influenced many aspects of American life, from agriculture and environmental stewardship to arts and governance. 3️⃣ Resilience and Innovation: Native communities are leading initiatives in sustainable energy, healthcare, education, and more, creating positive change for future generations. Let’s take this time to learn, honor, and appreciate the legacy and ongoing contributions of Native American communities. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #CulturalAwareness #Diversityandinclusion

Today is Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day. “Approximately 29 states and Washington, D.C. do not celebrate Columbus Day. About 216 cities have renamed it or replaced it with Indigenous Peoples' Day ….” Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrates and honors Native American histories and cultures. "Today we understand that while [Columbus] was an explorer … we now know a great deal about … the way that he and his people behaved when they came to this continent, …. Which included pillaging, raping and generally setting in motion a genocide of the people who were already here. That's not something we want to celebrate. That's not something anyone wants to celebrate." said Shannon Speed, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and director of the UCLA American Indian Studies Center. Pres. Biden is the first U.S. President to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day. I'm advocating for Andover to change from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. What can you do today to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples' Day? Smithsonian Magazine has some suggestions: · Plant native plants, which support healthy ecosystems. · Read an Indigenous writer – ideas in the comments. · Help teach a more truthful history of Columbus and the Indigenous peoples of the Caribbean Islands – links for more information in the comments. · Learn more by visiting Native Knowledge 360°, and advocate for Indigenous Peoples’ Day - links for more information in the comments. This is something to think about today - whether you are working or enjoying a fall day. #LauraHasItCovered #IndigenousPeoplesDay

“…being a member of a Native American nation is a form of citizenry that many Americans have a hard time understanding. I am—and many Native peoples are—members of both their tribal communities and the federal or national community. And that distinctiveness is something we should not be scared of but should embrace and try to learn and celebrate, particularly on Native American Heritage Day.” 💡 Learn more about Native American Heritage Day in this NPR interview with Yale professor Ned Blackhawk.

During National Native American Heritage Month, we honor the rich cultures, traditions, and histories of Native American communities across the United States. From the thousands of years of wisdom passed down through generations, to the resilience and strength of Native peoples who continue to thrive today, their stories are woven into the fabric of this land. Let’s take this time to reflect on the incredible contributions of Native Americans, not just during this month, but every day. From art and language, to activism and leadership, Indigenous peoples continue to shape the future while honoring their past. As we celebrate, let’s also acknowledge the ongoing struggles faced by Native communities and work toward greater equity, understanding, and respect. Violence and discrimination still disproportionately affect Native communities. It’s imperative to amplify Indigenous voices, support Native-led initiatives, and ensure that the rich cultural heritage of Native peoples is preserved for future generations. 🦅💫