Did you know that November is National Native American Heritage Month? President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution declaring November as a time that our nation honor the heritage of the First People or indigenous peoples of North America. For too many decades children were taught about the American Indian with incorrect information. Both children and adults were presented with stereotypical presentations of the Indian in movies, television, books, and the classroom. Thankfully that has changed over the last 20 years and a new respect of the heritage of the many tribal traditions are being shared with today's school children.
Many of my regular readers know that I do what I can to both teach and honor the cultures, traditions, and heritage of the Native Americans. I wanted to share a most incredible article by Kathy McGraw with you today. In Kathy's November is National American Indian Heritage Month she shares some historical facts about the Indigenous People of North America along with information of cultural interest. She has provided a good quiz that I'm sure will enlighten many who take it. Kathy's appreciation of the Native Way and her respect for the true heritage of the First People who inhabited this continent shines through. She reminds us that so much of what we learned as children was incorrect and disrespectful to the cultures and traditions of the many tribes of Native Americans.
Thank you Kathy for helping to bring attention to the National recognition of the Native Americans during the month of November. Let us hope that as more people become aware that more can be done to help the Peoples who live on reservations in abject poverty. Perhaps as more is shared young Native children can embrace their heritage and have pride in the Ancestors that came before them and the Elders who want to keep the traditions a part of the future. A Lakota (Sioux) saying that resonates in my heart every day is: "We Are All Related". Kathy's article reminds us all to remember those words.
Bev, what a wonderful review. I love the saying at the bottom. My uncle used to quote it when I was younger. Kathy's lens is truly awesome and may give a spotlight to an important heritage!
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree Bev, that it is a wonderful article on Native American Month, gently encouraging us all to learn more. Both you and Kathy do your parts to help us become more aware in your own unique styles.
ReplyDeleteBev, thanks to you, Kathy, and Vbright, who honor Native Americans and show us that we are all related. ...The truth is there if we'd only knock down the walls built by our parents and schools.
ReplyDeleteKathy's lens is very informative and it's unfortunate that Native Americans have, in the past, been portrayed in the wrong way. I've always admired their ability to live off the land and fend for themselves, but now they certainly shouldn't have to live in segregation.
ReplyDeleteBev,
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful review...thank you very much, coming from you it was quite a compliment. I know you do a lot of writings on Native Americans and as Mimi said...hopefully we can help break down some of the barriers and open people's minds to the truth. I was so honored that several Native Americans retweeted my lens, now this :)