Native American Heritage month is a great way to shine light on the unique tribes and traditions. It is important to learn the history and heritage of these communities. But what can you do to celebrate? From museums to reconnecting with nature, there are all sorts of fun things to do.
Mashantucket Pequot Museum
This museum is a great way to learn about the Pequot Tribe and its rich history. There, you can watch film documentaries, look at interesting and intriguing exhibits such as the Changing Environment and Pequot village and even walk around the garden.
“The museum shows us what happened in the past and gives us a good way to realize the importance of Native Americans,” says Xavier Ishmaeo.
There are multiple things you can do at this museum that will keep you engaged and interested whilst teaching you history.
“The Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center will strengthen Pequot Culture to honor and serve our Tribal family and friends,” states the museum’s mission statement on the website.
Gardening
Firstnations.org states that another fun way to celebrate is to contribute to the community garden Learn about corn, beans, and squash, and plan on incorporating those foods into your garden next spring. Not only is gardening relaxing, you can learn about how Indigenous people farmed, and the land they grew crops on. With some help, you can even learn how to do The Three Sister farming, which originated from Indigenous peoples.
The Three Sisters is a method of planting squash, beans and corn together. It is symbolic for Native Americans and an efficient way of farming produce. Planting and harvesting these crops, as well as using The Three Sisters farming method is a great way to learn and have fun at the same time.
The Big Takeaway
Celebrating this holiday is all about learning and acknowledging tribes and their culture. Native American Heritage month shines light on and ensures that traditions and cultures will continue to thrive in the following generations. Learning about local tribes, donating to nonprofit organizations, or finding local indigenous businesses are other ways to celebrate. It is important to know about this holiday, agreed by seniors Cameron Luth and Matt Barrett.
“I think it should be common knowledge that people should understand what it’s about,” says Barrett.
Native Americans are a big part of America’s history, so the fact that a lot of people don’t know about this holiday is surprising to Luth.
“It’s where America started if you think about it,” says Luth.
