Guest Column: 'This land holds the blood memory of our ancestors'
By Kasey Perez
Director of the Office of Indigenous Affairs and the Student Transition Enrichment Program at CMU
Bozho (hello), Happy Native American Heritage Month! November has been recognized as Native American Heritage Month in the United States since 1990.
Although the 574 federally recognized sovereign tribal nations in America have long celebrated their heritage, it’s refreshing to have communities, universities, schools, cities, etc., recognize and learn throughout the month of November about our rich culture.
When it was signed by President George H.W. Bush into law, designating November as NAHM, there was recognition that Native American people were the original people who inhabited this land. We know we have grown this land, stewarded this land, protected this land. November is a start for everyone else to learn this piece of history and present-day knowledge.
This land holds the blood memory of our ancestors.
Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) gives indigenous people space to bring their art forms forward, space to share who they are and where they’ve come from.
It’s been amazing to see so many wonderful native authors, singers, actors, educators, rappers, researchers and more on CMU’s campus. When students attend these events, they are introduced to something they may not have had on their radar beforehand, which can lead them to exploring more about the culture and themselves at the same time.
I feel such a sense of pride when I see the campus community attend NAHM events and learn about indigenous cultures; the representation taking place matters.
I believe November is just a first step into society learning more about our culture. Learning should take place no matter what time of year, but for us to take back November, the same month that gets recognized as when colonization began with Thanksgiving, that’s powerful.
This month for NAHM at CMU, the Office of Indigenous Affairs will host several events for the campus community, including bringing New York Times Bestselling author Angeline Boulley to campus on Nov. 18, having fun with Shi Shi Be (Bodewadmi language bingo) on Nov. 12 and several opportunities to learn about art, food and traditional games throughout.
We look forward to welcoming you and hope you join us this November!
