MY HERO Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month celebrates and honors the history and culture of the native peoples of America. This November-long celebration recognizes the continuing contribution of native peoples, despite the battles native peoples have faced throughout history, and continue to face today.

"Throughout our history, American Indian and Alaska Native peoples have been an integral part of the American character. Against the odds, America's first peoples have endured, and they remain a vital cultural, political, social, and moral presence. Tribal America has brought to this great country certain values and ideas that have become ingrained in the American spirit: the knowledge that humans can thrive and prosper without destroying the natural environment; the understanding that people from very different backgrounds, cultures, religions, and traditions can come together to build a great country; and the awareness that diversity can be a source of strength rather than division." - President William J. Clinton


Edmonia Lewis
defied restrictions on black women and achieved respect in the art community.
Maria Tallchief
is a Native American ballerina who pioneered many important roles.
Will Rogers
was a beloved humorist and humanitarian.
Bajé Whitethorne
is a celebrated Navajo painter and author.

Christine Quintasket
was the first published Native American woman author. By Catherine from Trumbull
Dr. Elvia Niebla
Soil Scientist

is dedicated to soil conservation.
Dr. Ines Cifuentes
Seismologist

works to improve science programs for students in Washington, DC.
Sandra Begay-Campbell
is a Native American engineer who brings solar-powered energy to the Navajo reservation. By Sue from California

Jane Mt. Pleasant
is an agricultural scientist who looks to the past to meet today's farming needs.
Chief Wilma Mankiller
was the first woman to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
Chief Oren Lyons
is an internationally venerated advocate for preserving biodiversity.
Chief Joseph
led the Nez Perce tribe in an effort to keep its homeland. By Jennifer Beck

"Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents,
it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children."
Ancient Indian Proverb


Osceola
led the Seminoles in their battle for independence. By Jordon S.
Crazy Horse
bravely fought for the freedom of the Sioux Nation. By John
Chief Arvol
Looking Horse

appeals to indigenous voices
across the world
to bring peace.
Corbin Harney
has spread a message
of peace throughout
the world.

Ben Redclay
was an earthkeeper whose legacy lives on through his daughter.
Sequoyah
invented the Cherokee alphabet, which enabled Cherokees to record their history.
Handsome Lake
brought a message of
peace to the Iroquois people.
Howard Luke
is a beloved Alaskan Native elder who has devoted himself to his community. By Sarah from Fairbanks

Native American Spirituality
comes in myriad forms.
Women Heroes
Of the Early West

were strong, valiant women who broke social constraints.
Sacajawea
guided Lewis and Clark across the northwestern territories.
Sarah Winnemucca
was an advocate for Paiute rights and the first Native American woman to publish a book. By Isabelle from Wallingford

Bernice Pauahi Bishop
turned down the royal throne to focus on serving and protecting the Hawaiian people. By Tia from Pukalani
Eddie Aikau
loved the sea and often risked his life to save others By Jon from Pukalani, Hawaii
Queen Emma
left a legacy of hospitals and schools for the people of Hawaii By Jessica from Pukalani
Duke Kahanamoku
was an Olympic gold medalist and 'Father of Surfing' By Kainoa from Pukalani, Hawaii

Ranald MacDonald
was a Native American/Scot wayfarer who helped open up Japan to the West. By Kelley from Spokane

Art
Chief Joseph
by Robert Shetterly, Americans Who Tell the Truth
Black Hawk, Indian Warrior
by Kay Smith, Artist Laureate of Illinois

Film
Pass the PEACE
Producer: Justin Cohan


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