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Native American National Heritage Month is a chance to highlight a component of American history that is often overlooked.  Native American Heritage Month celebrates those, along with their tribal ancestors, who were here thousands of years before Columbus or Cortes set foot in North America. The unique nature of America’s immigration history results in distinct parameters for discussions on race, ethnicity and heritage and unprecedented diversity. While we all have our individual ancestral heritage, this land – our country – has a complex and rich history that is far older than that of America and the Declaration of Independence. If we still claim, or even think, that this land belongs to us, should we not celebrate its entire history? That journey reveals some uncomfortable moments and brings up challenging discussions; all the more reason to have them. History is not just the past and it should not be left without context and relevance.

Viewing Native American history through an educational lens is particularly sad. Historically, at times, white European educators utilized education as a means to Christianize and civilize the native population, thus dismantling their cultural associations. Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania is one notable example. It was founded in 1879 by Richard Henry Pratt who once wrote: “In Indian civilization I am a Baptist, because I believe in immersing the Indians in our civilization and when we get them under holding them there until they are thoroughly soaked.”  While one might argue these efforts were well-intentioned, the results were devastating.

The era of Indian self-determination began in 1975 with tribes taking over operation of reservation schools through the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). Today, Native educators are working to incorporate their rich historical traditions into these schools while simultaneously preparing students for a twenty-first century workforce. And Native leaders and educators, as well as others in the education community, are advocating for culturally based education (CBE) to help ensure that cultural awareness and history are not lost to Native American youngsters both in these schools and for the 90% of Native youth who attend traditional public schools.  It seems especially fitting that during this one month, we might join them in efforts to discuss, celebrate and incorporate cultural and historic traditions.

Since November 1^st, I’ve been somewhat surprised at the lack of dialogue and conversation around Native American Heritage Month. To be fair, the Departments of Education, State, Agriculture and others released statements acknowledging the month. The Library of Congress hosts an impressive website dedicated to it. The Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian maintains an extensive website and includes resources for educators. One highlight is Native Words, Native Warriors, an exhibit on Native American code-talkers as a key component of US military strategy. A second highlight is American Indian Responses to Environmental Challenges, challenges that unite us as a country and as a people.

The National Education Association offers lesson plans and resources for elementary, middle and high school teachers, as well as information on how some education issues (for example, bullying) impact these populations in particular. The American Federation of Teachers also offers classroom resources to help educators address Native issues.  Yet in the popular media and in education blog- and tweet-osphere in particular, I have not seen much coverage of this important time. Perhaps I am naïve in my surprise.

Native American National Heritage Month is a chance of us to celebrate our interwoven stories - past, present and future – and it is an opportunity in the education world to acknowledge the unique hurdles Native American children face while celebrating the gradual resurrection of Native American culture in classrooms and schools. What lessons might their journey have for the rest of us?