National Native American Heritage Month, established in 1990, is an opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the 574 federally recognized indigenous communities in the United States and the Biden Administration’s commitment to Tribal Nations and Native Communities.
This year’s theme, “Tribal Nations Soaring to New Heights,” pays homage to the Indigenous People serving in the Federal Government in political assignments and senior leadership, including Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary.
November is the time to rejoice in these diverse and rich cultures, histories, traditions, and customs and to appreciate the great contributions of the Native Americans. This month allows us to increase awareness about tribes and to educate people about the various challenges faced by Native Americans in the past and present. Throughout this month, we celebrate the diversity of American Indian and Alaska Native cultures while, at the same time, remembering and honoring our veterans who have sacrificed so much to defend our great nation.
Affirmative Action is a policy that aims to provide equal employment opportunities to historically marginalized groups, including Native Americans. These policies have been used as a means to end systemic discrimination and the perpetuation of undesirable living standards of Native Americans. Additionally, in today’s workforce environment, diversity and inclusion initiatives are a top priority throughout American companies and organizations. Despite this move forward, it is seemingly apparent that there is a limited number of Native Americans represented among these initiatives. In fact, the omission of Native Americans is so vast that most organization’s metrics show that Native Americans represent less than a full percentile of their workforce. In some cases, they may not be represented at all. This is an interesting, if not disturbing fact considering that from 2010 to 2020, the Native American share of the nation’s population increased from 1.6% to 2.9%.
So how do Native Americans find greater representation in today’s workforce, and how do we protect the rights of Indigenous people? It starts with acknowledgment.
Long before you lived on it, much of US land was occupied, managed, and maintained by Indigenous people and tribes. The history of the tribal use of our land should be important for all of us to learn and understand. Not only does help honor the people from which it was taken, but it also helps us honor Native Americans in a more appreciative manner.
Ways to consider for celebrating National Native American Heritage Month include:
-
- Enjoying Indigenous art.
- Follow Native Americans on social media.
- Learn about the challenges Native American communities have faced.
- Learn about Native American good news. While it’s important to be aware of challenges and injustices, no community should be defined solely by those experiences.
HR Unlimited, Inc. specializes in helping federal contractors and employers effectively meet their AAP and EEO compliance obligations. Please contact us to discuss any of your questions, concerns, or needs in this area.