November is National Native American Heritage Month
- IHCRC
- Nov 14
- 3 min read
In 1992, President George H.W. Bush declared it the “Year of the American Indian,” and that November marked the first official recognition of National Native American Heritage Month. Every U.S. president since has continued the tradition, honoring “the storied legacy of American Indians and Alaska Natives” and celebrating the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native peoples.
As November draws to a close, the spirit of the month doesn’t end. Native American Heritage Month serves as a reminder—not a timeframe—that Native cultures, histories, and perspectives are woven into everyday life. While November offers a focused moment of recognition, celebrating Native heritage is something we can and should continue throughout the entire year. There are many ways to honor and uplift Native communities long after the month concludes: visiting museums and cultural centers, supporting Native-owned businesses and artists, attending cultural programs, reading Native authors, learning about tribal history, and staying engaged with contemporary Native issues.
MUSEUM COLLECTIONS & CULTURAL SPACES
Museums and cultural centers preserve the stories, traditions, and creativity of Native peoples. Visiting these spaces offers the chance to experience Native history and art firsthand, and to deepen understanding of the diverse cultures that continue to shape our communities today. Tulsa has many exhibits and museums to offer a look into many Native cultures, including:
Indigenous Paintings at Gilcrease Museum: Gilcrease's permanent collection features Native American paintings and drawings that span more than 150 years of visual expression and include nearly 2,500 works on a variety of mediums including hide, paper, and canvas. Also of note: Museum founder Thomas Gilcrease is a Muscogee Nation citizen! Click here for more information.
Native American art at Philbrook Museum: Philbrook's permanent collection includes 20th-century Native art and features iconic works by influential artists from across Indian Country with particular strengths in basketry, pottery, paintings, and jewelry. Click here for more information.
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve: Located less than an hour north of Tulsa, Woolaroc’s collections include Native American artifacts alongside art, firearms, and natural history exhibits. Its grounds also feature preserved landscapes and wildlife, offering visitors a unique way to engage with the region’s history and heritage. Click here for more information.
SUPPORT NATIVE-OWNED BUSINESSES
Celebrating Native heritage extends to supporting Native entrepreneurs, artists, and creators. By purchasing from Native-owned businesses, we help sustain local economies, honor traditional skills, and amplify Indigenous voices throughout the year.
The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO) maintains a directory of Native-owned businesses statewide—an easy way to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and creators any time of year. Native business members on its site.
KEEP LEARNING
Education is key to understanding and appreciating the rich histories, cultures, and contemporary contributions of Native peoples. Whether through reading, attending programs, or exploring online resources, there are many ways to expand your knowledge and engage with Indigenous perspectives year-round.
Tulsa City-County Public Library, which notes that "the land on which we stand is the present-day home of the Muscogee, Cherokee, and Osage Nations," hosts regular events on American Indian language and history. It also has an American Indian Resource Center on its website with recommended books to read, database entries on Indigenous Peoples of North America, and more.
Tulsa Public Schools' Indian Education program, which notes that TPS has more than 3,200 Native students and nearly 150 Native teachers in the district, offers age-appropriate book recommendations, ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, and more on its webpage.
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