November is National Native American Heritage Month—a time dedicated to celebrating our First Nations’ cultures.
Year-round, we acknowledge that our homes and workplace are on the traditional territory of the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Peoples, and we recognize the 48 contemporary tribal nations tied to Colorado. This month provides a special opportunity to deepen that recognition and honor the rich legacies of Native peoples.
For me, this month carries personal meaning as I’ve recently been reconnecting with my own Cherokee and Shawnee heritage.
There are many reasons for pride, but our country has a history of injustices, some of which continue today, that must be acknowledged as well. I’m learning that honoring my Native ancestry isn’t just about recognition; it’s about understanding the stories, resilience, and traditions of these communities. It’s also about acknowledging how I can carry forward their values in my own life, from the way I engage with others to the impact I hope to make.
This month, I invite all of us to take time to learn, listen, and celebrate Native voices and histories—not just as a moment of recognition but as an ongoing commitment to connection and respect.
I’m also grateful to Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains for recently sharing this resource to help us learn more about the land we occupy: This Native land map can identify occupied lands in the U.S. and around the world.
What does Native American Heritage Month mean to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts or resources you’ve found meaningful.
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