In 1990, Congress passed a bill, which was subsequently signed into law by President George H. W. Bush, officially designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month. This month holds great significance, as it offers a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the rich contributions and remarkable achievements of Indigenous people. However, it is essential to recognize that the history of this observance is deeply intertwined with the complex and often painful history of Native Americans in the United States. 

Throughout our history, Indigenous communities have endured a series of challenging experiences, from the devastating legacy of “boarding schools” that tragically claimed the lives of innocent children, to the forcible seizure of ancestral lands and the suppression of their culture. These historical injustices cast a shadow on this month, but they also underscore the importance of honoring and preserving the heritage and traditions of Native Americans. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards healing and reconciliation.

Often, narrations of Native Americans depict the Tribes as a single, homogenous entity. The United States is home to over 500 distinct tribes, each with its own unique cultures, languages, and traditions. 

The land we now know as Western Colorado University was originally the territory of the Ute Nations and Peoples. Native American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to not only recognize this heritage but also to embrace a future of unity, understanding, and respect among all Americans. It is a month that encourages us to appreciate the resilience, wisdom, and contributions of Indigenous people while working together for a more inclusive and equitable future.