Celebrating Indigenous and Native Peoples' Heritage Month: Honoring Traditions and Inspiring Futures

November is Indigenous and Native Peoples' Heritage Month, and the YMCA of Greater Seattle is uplifting the culture and history through the voices and stories of Indigenous and Native peoples and communities. This month, we are celebrating and honoring as a community through four intentional steps – LEARN, REFLECT, CONNECT, and ACTIVATE. 

Learn 

In honor of Indigenous and Native Peoples' Heritage Month, we encourage our community to LEARN about the contributions, achievements and struggles of Indigenous and Native peoples through their own words. Visit nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov for resources featuring the work and viewpoints of Indigenous and Native peoples and communities. As we continue to go deeper in our awareness and education around inclusion and intersectionality, we also encourage you to read about LGBTQIAA+ Pride and Two Spirit People. 

Reflect 

We encourage you to REFLECT during Indigenous and Native Peoples' Heritage Month. What do you think of when you hear the term “Indigenous and Native peoples” or “Native American?” Many traditional stereotypes and biases are unknowingly hurtful, disrespectful and inaccurate. Take the next step by recognizing and reflecting – then visit siouxymca.org/resources for videos and resources by Indigenous and Native peoples and communities on this topic. 

Connect 

During Indigenous and Native Peoples' Heritage Month, we invite you to CONNECT with Indigenous and Native peoples and communities in the greater Seattle area. 

Find a variety of opportunities to engage and connect in the Seattle area on Visit Seattle’s Native American Cultural Heritage website. 

Additionally, discover Indigenous and Native communities living in your local area and explore ways you can connect, learn, and support. Visit native-land.ca for more info. 

Activate 

We also encourage you to ACTIVATE your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in your community by supporting Indigenous and Native authors, artists and business owners during Indigenous and Native Peoples' Heritage Month. Pick up a new book penned by an Indigenous and Native author or take the entire family out to an Indigenous- and Native-owned shop, restaurant or art gallery – ask questions and get your children involved! 

Check out Seattle Theatre Group’s compilation of educational materials, books, films, and locally owned restaurants and shops. 

Find more national and local resources and information on our Indigenous and Native Peoples' Heritage Month website.

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