Commemorating Native American Heritage Month

November marks Native American Heritage Month when we recognize and honor the history, culture and contributions of the 574 Native American and Indigenous Tribes in the United States. This year, the month is especially prominent as it is the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act, which extended citizenship to all U.S. born Native Americans.To best commemorate Native American Heritage Month, regardless of how you personally identify, here are some ways that you can celebrate: Know These Prominent Figures When we talk about Native American historical figures, most people will default to the same couple of names from hundreds of years ago. The fact is, there have been numerous scholars, leaders, activists and creatives that have made a significant impact in the United States in recent years.This year, research some of the historical figures that are significant to Native American communities. A few you should know include:

• Standing Bear (1829-1908): A Ponca Chief and civil rights leader whose court case, Standing Bear v. Crook, became the first step in granting civil rights under American law for all Native Americans.
• Susan La Flesche Picotte (1865-1915): The first Native American woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. She served the health needs of Tribal communities and helped change the conversation around inclusive health care for Indigenous peoples.
• Suzan Shown Harjo (1945-present): A prominent activist whose leadership has ignited change and equality on a national level. She is best known for her legislative work that has successfully protected and improved Indigenous lives.
• Tom B.K. Goldtooth (1953-present): An environmental and economic justice activist who has used his talents in film and speech to advocate for Indigenous rights on national and international levels.
• Colonel Nicole Mann (1977-present): Test pilot and astronaut who gained prominence in 2022 when she became the first Native American woman in space.

Indigenous Environmental Network executive director, Native America Sioux Tom Goldtooth, delivers a speech during the “The vision of indigenous peoples to climate change” event at Le Bourget on the outskirts of the French capital Paris. DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP via Getty Images

Support These OrganizationsOne of the best ways you can support Indigenous communities is by volunteering with or donating to Native-focused charity and nonprofit groups. Some reputable organizations include:

(L-R) Sydney Freeland, Morningstar Angeline, Cody Lightning, Devery Jacobs, Vincent D’Onofrio, Alaqua Cox, Chaske Spencer, Tantoo Cardinal, Zahn McClarnon, Dannie McCallum and Katarina Ziervogel attend the Echo launch event on Jan. 8, 2024 at Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles. JESSE GRANT/GETTY IMAGES FOR DISNEY

Buy From Native-Owned Businesses Like many minority-owned small businesses, Native-owned businesses are often underrepresented and underfunded in comparison to their white counterparts. These businesses not only directly support Indigenous families and communities, but are a vital part of the U.S. economy—making up 341,000 small businesses, employing over 215,000 people and contributing over $33 billion economically. They’re also often environmentally friendly and sustainably conscious.Many Indigenous-owned companies can be found on websites such as Etsy, but a few others you may want to consider include:

• Cheekbone: Sustainable makeup company
• GINEW: Denim and other apparel
• O-Gah-Pah: Coffee blends
• Medicine of the People: Health and beauty products
• Séka Hills: Artisanal goods such as honey, nuts and wine
• SheNative: Handmade handbags, jewelry and accessories

Watch, Read & Learn Supporting Native American authors, actors, directors and other creatives is another way that you can support Indigenous communities while learning credible information about different Tribes’ culture and histories. Books, films and television shows to consider include:

• Reel Injun: Documentary
• Killers of the Flower Moon: Novel and movie based on a true story
• Marvel’s Echo: Superhero television series
• Reservation Dogs: Comedy television show
• Braiding Sweetgrass: Nonfiction book by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• There, There: Fiction book by Tommy Orange

Read more articles for the Native Origins Community here.

This article was originally published on diversitycomm.net.