This month happens to be National Native American Heritage Month. Most people may know what this month stands for, but maybe you don’t, like me. I decided to do some research to discover what the purpose of the month is.

According to ncai.org, it all started in 1990, which was not that long ago. President George W. Bush declared it National Native American Heritage Month in the hopes of celebrating the diverse culture and the history of Native Americans and what they achieved as a culture together.

Native American culture goes unnoticed here in America because I think a lot of people misunderstand the culture.

In history classes, we were taught about the wars between the United States and Native Americans, but we did not necessarily focus on the positive things that they did.

The Native American culture has it’s own month, but I am one of the people that didn’t know of it until recently.  For example, Black History Month is a big deal in the United States and we hear a lot about it. I think every culture should be paid attention to and get the same amount of coverage because they are all important.

I don’t see many advertisements about this month like I do for Black History Month. I don’t think is done intentionally, but more people need to educate themselves on what this month is and how their culture might be similar to others.

There is positivity to be noticed in the celebration of Native American Heritage Month.  The fact that this month is even a highlight in our history is really great. It’s important that we keep the culture alive despite it needing more coverage.  

According to newsok.com, Oklahoma has about four million Oklahomans that identify themselves as Native Americans. Most of the people who live in Oklahoma want to keep the culture alive because it means a lot to them.

The people who live in the town believe that it’s important to teach the children growing up about the culture while keeping it in the homes.

This month is special to so many people. With that being said, more people should be educated about it. I appreciate how America celebrates all cultures for the most part and encourages people to celebrate who they are.