This November, the focus is on celebrating the rich culture and traditions of Native Americans. Every year, nationwide people of the indigenous community come together to share their experiences as native americans in this country.
In our Marriotts Ridge Community we have some students who have Native American heritage. Students expressed their own traditions that they share within their families.
“My grandfather told me stories of his grandparents.” Jackson Berry recounted.
For some students like Berry this month provides a way for them to reconnect with their memories from their ancestors.
There are many ways to be immersed in the native culture and to be educated about their struggles. Reading books about native culture is a great way to learn.
“Learning about different cultures helps young people’s empathy, respect and curiosity grow. And reading is a fun way to learn” remarked the Boys and Girls clubs of America, a youth development organization that provides service on native lands.
Another way to respect Native culture is to do research about the tribal land that has been taken from indigenous people. Websites like Native-Land.ca allow people to enter their zip code and learn about the traditions, foods, and history of the native people who live there.
Students in the Marriotts Ridge community are concerned about their lack of education about native culture in school.
“I don’t know much about Native American traditions except the brief summaries and lessons from social studies.” stated senior Jackson Berry.
November is a good time to recognize the Native American holidays. The native holidays are focused on celebrating nature, the spiritual world and the ancestors of the native people. For many tribes, the new year is recognized as December 22nd. The new year’s ceremony is called Soyal. Soyal is a time of renewal and purification.
Other holidays that are celebrated by native students in our school include thanksgiving.
“My family and I celebrate thanksgiving, it’s a time where we gather and reflect on our year.” Berry recounted
Native foods are served during a traditional thanksgiving dinner like chicken and turkey with other vegetables.
“My mom would make dishes with beans and venison” Berry said
Traditional holidays help people with native descendants to connect to their ancestors on a spiritual level.
In our own Marriotts Ridge community, native students want their traditions to be celebrated the same way Christian, Jewish and Muslim holidays are.
“I wish our native traditions were recognized in our school community like Christmas or Easter are.” Remarked sophomore Santino Pinos.
One of the biggest takeaways of the Native American heritage month is that the Native community needs to be uplifted in MRHS. The best way to do this is to bring light to the issues that affect them and support organizations that help with Native Americans’ education and job opportunities. Such organizations include the American Indian College Fund, Americans for Indian Opportunity and the Association of American Indian Affairs.
“Donating to organizations that support our native communities goes a long way in giving indigenous people the same rights and opportunities as everyone else in this country.” proclaimed Pinos.
November is a special time of the year to recognize a beautiful culture and people. With the support of the MRHS communitie, Native students hope to receive the recognition they deserve. Use the Native American Heritage month to celebrate and most importantly learn about Native culture.