Although the first "American Indian Day" was celebrated in May 1916 in New York, a month-long recognition of Native Americans did not happen until 1990. That year, President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month. Since then, the title has expanded to celebrate the heritage, history, art and traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
In honor of this year's National American Indian Heritage Month, Smithsonian.com recognizes two renowned Native artists for their bead and sculpture work, investigates why Native American languages are disappearing, explores Sitting Bull's legacy through his great-grandson and offers a list of festivals, concerts and lectures at the Smithsonian Institution and around the country.
One Man’s Trash is Brian Jungen's Treasure
Transforming everyday items into Native American artwork, Jungen bridges the gap between indigenous and mass cultures
By Megan Gambino
N. Scott Momaday and the Buffalo Trust
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Kiowa Indian N. Scott Momaday runs a nonprofit organization working to preserve Native cultures
By Kenneth R. Fletcher
Julia Keefe’s Jazz
The young musician discusses the joys of improvisation and her new tribute to fellow American Indian artist Mildred Bailey
By Katy June-Friesen
Carving Out the West at the Great Smoke Conference
In 1851, American Indian tribes gathered to seek protection of their western lands from frontiersman on the Oregon Trail
By Paul VanDevelder
Around the Mall: Old Documentary on Western Tribes Restored
How a Film Helped Preserve a Native Culture
By Andrew Curry
Indians on the Inaugural March
At the invitation of Theodore Roosevelt, six Indian Chiefs marched in his inaugural parade as representatives of their tribes
By Jesse Rhodes
EXPLORE MORE SMITHSONIAN COVERAGE OF AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE
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Frybread
This seemingly simple food is a complicated symbol in Navajo culture
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Chief Lobbyist
He made little headway with President Grant, but Red Cloud won over the 19th century's greatest photographers.
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Going With the Grain
On Minnesota lakes, Native Americans satisfy a growing hunger for "slow food" by harvesting authentically wild rice the old-fashioned way
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Mystery and Drama
Virginia Morell, author of "The Zuni Way," on the mystical ceremonies of the Zuni pueblo
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At the SmithsonianCelebrate American Indian Heritage Month with the Smithsonian Institution |
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Around the CountryLearn about American Indian Heritage Month celebrations in your state |
Photo Gallery
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North American Indian Photography of Edward CurtisSee Edward S. Curtis' work The North American Indian |
Travel with Smithsonian
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Battle of Little Bighorn Explore the passion and controversy of the Battle of Little Bighorn |
Shop at the Smithsonian Store
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Chalcedony Rainbow Jewelry Across the country, the drum of the powwow calls dancers of many stripes. Their pictures and accompanying commentary tell a story of a new generation of Native Americans, determined and honor-bound to keep the dancing tradition alive. |
