Acknowledgment of Native American Heritage began in 1986 with the week of November 23-30, known as "American Indian Week." Eventually, starting in 1995 and beyond, the entire month of November served as the recognition period of historical, cultural,
societal, and educational contributions of the first inhabitants of the United States.
In the words of President Biden, "the contributions that Indigenous peoples have made throughout history — in public service, entrepreneurship, scholarship,
the arts, and countless other fields — are integral to our Nation, our culture, and our society." Although cultural recognition is essential, higher education institutions must also ensure that Indigenous students feel academically supported.
Read more
about how the U.S. Department of State has allocated funds to train and recruit qualified Native American educators and how you can help empower your institution and community.
AACRAO is proud to honor and celebrate the culture, traditions, and languages of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Throughout the month, reach out to AACRAO's
Native American Caucus to hear about their experiences
and stories and learn more about how you can get involved.
Attending the #SEM2021 Conference this month?
Join the session on Culture at Heart: An Integrated Indigenous Approach to SEM Development.
Interested in learning more about honoring Native American history on-demand? Watch one of these documentaries or short films from PBS.
Looking for an educational weekend activity and a way to commemorate the Native American community? The National Park Service is hosting events throughout the month across the country. Find a park near you and check out their calendar for suggestions on other self-guided activities and learn more about Indigenous peoples' history and heritage.