November 2023 DEI Committee Blog - National Native American Heritage Month

National Native American Heritage Month

In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, this installment of the WGR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Blog provides a backgrounder and resources to support government relations professionals in celebrating the legacy and contributions of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities.

Based on nearly 100 years of bipartisan advocacy for a permanent holiday observing the achievements, sacrifices, and cultural and historical legacy of indigenous peoples, the fourth Friday in November was signed into law as “Native American Heritage Day” in 2009. The timing of this holiday is significant. It provides the opportunity to reflect on historical inaccuracies in pervasive cultural myths surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday.

This year’s theme is: Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity, which focuses on the values of self-determination and cultural preservation. The U.S. Department of the Interior explains: 

Tribal sovereignty ensures that any decisions about Tribes with regard to their property and citizens are made with their participation and consent. The federal trust responsibility is a legal obligation under which the United States “has charged itself with moral obligations of the highest responsibility and trust” toward Indian tribes.

The Department of the Interior plays a key role in strengthening Tribal sovereignty, living up to trust and treaty responsibilities, and conducting robust Tribal consultation. Much of the Department’s work under Secretary Haaland’s leadership also centers on acknowledging the impact that relocation, forced assimilation, and lack of critical funding has on Indigenous communities across the country. We are committed to elevating those issues while empowering Tribal governments and Indigenous peoples.

To learn more about the federal agencies and advocacy organizations working in service of Native American communities, please visit:

• The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is the largest organization that advocates for Indian Country. 

• The annual National Caucus of Native American State Legislators (NCNASL), which works to promote a better understanding of state-tribal issues among policymakers and the public at large. 

• The Office of Tribal Justice serves as a dedicated point of contact for Indian country-specific legal and policy matters.

• The National Health Council published a blog on Indigenous Heritage Month Reflection and the Future of Health Equity

• Indian Health Service, a federal health program for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

• The Bureau of Indian Education provides quality education opportunities from early childhood through life in accordance with a tribe’s needs for cultural and economic well-being.

• The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian acts as a resource for an honest and thoughtful conduit between Native communities and the general public. 

• Check out the National Gallery of Art’s temporary exhibit (until January 15, 2024), “The Land Carries our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans.”

As we wind down 2023, we welcome all WGR members to join DEI-hosted Community Conversations and our End-of-Year Party on December 15th at 6pm Eastern Time. Register here for all upcoming WGR events. For more information on WGR’s DEI Committee, please reach out to dei.wgr@gmail.com.

Chairperson Larkin Willis authored this month’s blog.