November is National Native American Heritage Month in the United States, a celebration that highlights the history, struggles, culture, fearlessness and resilience of first Americans.

The month first began as American Indian Day after both Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, and Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, separately rallied for a day to celebrate indigenous Americans' history and culture. Dr. Parker, the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, NY, persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to adopt a day to honor the “First Americans.” Red Fox James delivered 24 state endorsements for the day after traveling state-to-state on horseback. With these efforts, in 1915 the annual Congress of the American Indian Association meeting in Lawrence, Kan. approved a plan to call upon the country to formally observe this day.

In 1916, the governor of New York declared the first state official American Indian Day, held on the second Saturday of May. Through the years, more states picked up the holiday and chose their own day for their celebrations. It wasn’t until 1990 when former President George H. W. Bush declared November as National American Indian Heritage Month.

This year’s celebration focuses on ‘Tribal Nations Soaring to New Heights.’ The theme honors the American Indians and Alaska Natives’ long history of military service. According to Alicia Madalena Sylvester, the Defense Department's senior tribal advisor and liaison for Native American affairs, Native American men and women serve in the armed forces at five times the national average. 

This year’s theme also highlights ‘Skywalkers’ – Iroquois ironworkers who were key to building iconic U.S. bridges and skyscrapers. The Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building in New York City are two examples of the work of Iroquois ironworkers, which specifically included Mohawk men.

"Despite centuries of violence and oppression, Native peoples remain resilient and proud," President Joe Biden said in a National Native American Heritage Month proclamation on Nov. 8. "Today, Native Americans are essential to the fabric of the United States. They serve in the United States armed forces at higher rates than any other ethnic group."

"They continue to steward so many of our great lands,” President Biden continued. “Their contributions to science, humanities, arts, public service and more have brought prosperity for all of us. Their diverse cultures and communities continue to thrive and lead us forward."

Learn more about this November’s Native American Heritage Month here.