Photo Credit: Native American South Carolina Archives (NASCA)

SC Commission for Minority Affairs Recognizes the Culture, History and Contributions of Native Americans Throughout November

The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs is commemorating Native American Heritage Month with a social media campaign highlighting the importance of preserving Native culture, being Native with a disability, powwows and local tribal members.

To view the month-long celebration, visit the agency's ​Facebook or  Instagram pages.

Happy Native American Heritage Month! 

2022 Native American Heritage Month Proclamation from Governor Henry McMaster / Calendar of Events

NOTE: This banner for Native American Heritage Month was hand drawn by Public Information Coordinator, Andrea Flores. Surrounding the banner are various facets of Native American culture: Catawba pottery, fry bread, corn, a feather, beaded earrings, and sacred tobacco.

Celebrate Native American Heritage Every Month

For Native Americans, October and November can be busy and emotionally taxing months as these are when Columbus / Indigenous Peoples Day and Halloween (where so many still decide to use Native American culture as a costume) are held. Native American Heritage Month begins the day after Halloween and is essentially wrapped up by Thanksgiving (another culturally complicated holiday). Additionally, all of this takes place against the backdrop of football season, which means Native American mascots and the ongoing tension related to them.

While, like all cultures, Native American history is filled with pain, frustration and mourning, it is also a time of celebration, reflection, and education. It is important to remember that issues facing contemporary American Indians do not disappear once November ends. As such, do not let November be the only time of year that our nation’s first inhabitants and stewards of this land are remembered. We must celebrate Native American cultures and heritages in November and every other month of the year!

Here are some resources we found to help you celebrate Native American heritage and resilience in November and every other month of the year:  

1. You can find all of the websites and contact information for State Recognized entities here: https://cma.sc.gov/minority-population-initiatives/native-american-affairs/south-carolinas-recognized-native-american-indian-entities 

2. Be sure to check the Native American Studies Center at the University of South Carolina, Lancaster: https://sc.edu/about/system_and_campuses/lancaster/study/student_opportunities/native_american_studies_center/index.php

3. The Commission for Minority Affairs also has various resources and upcoming events listed: https://cma.sc.gov/our-events

4. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has information and virtual events: https://americanindian.si.edu/

5. The National Congress of American Indians: https://www.ncai.org/

6. The Native Learning Center offers free webinars and other learning opportunities: https://www.nativelearningcenter.com/ 

Census 2020 Native American Indian and Alaskan Native Outreach

The My Tribal Area data tool allows easy access to select demographic and economic statistics for each of the nation’s tribal areas. This data comes from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey, and include statistics on population, jobs, housing, economy, and education.

My Tribal Area provides comprehensive maps, data profiles and downloadable features for each tribal area.

Resources for Teachers and Educators

National Museum of the American Indian Book List

• Books and Products
• 40 Children's Books Celebrating Native American and Indigenous Mighty Girls

Curriculum and Teaching Aids

• DocsTeach
• Native American Heritage Month
• Honoring Tribal Legacies
• Ancient Art of the American Woodland Indians

SCETV

• Native American Heritage Month
• Santee Tribe
• Catawba
• Pee Dee
• Chicora
• Cherokee

Native American South Carolina Archive (NASCA)

• NASCA Website

Molly of Denali

Indian Country Today Article

PBS Website