National Native American Heritage Month
Celebrate Indigenous peoples and cultures! November honors Native American heritage, history, and contributions to America. Learn about tribal nations, support Native artists and businesses, and recognize the rich cultural diversity of Indigenous peoples.
About National Native American Heritage Month
Celebrate Indigenous peoples and cultures! November honors Native American heritage, history, and contributions to America. Learn about tribal nations, support Native artists and businesses, and recognize the rich cultural diversity of Indigenous peoples.
History & origins
National Native American Heritage Month is observed each November in the United States, and its federal roots trace back to a 1990 joint resolution that authorized and requested a presidential proclamation for November as National American Indian Heritage Month. President George H. W. Bush issued that proclamation, and later presidential proclamations shifted the name toward “Native American Heritage Month.” The observance grew out of earlier efforts for Native recognition in the 20th century, including Native American awareness weeks and days that preceded the monthlong designation.
Why it matters
National Native American Heritage Month highlights the history, sovereignty, languages, and living cultures of Indigenous peoples whose contributions shaped the United States long before it existed as a nation. It also creates a timely opportunity to support Native artists, businesses, educators, and community-led cultural preservation efforts. For many people, the month is a reminder to learn from tribal nations directly and to recognize the original inhabitants of the land they live on.
How to celebrate
Learn about Native American history and cultures. Support Native-owned businesses. Visit cultural museums and heritage sites. Read Native American authors. Attend powwows and cultural events. Acknowledge whose land you're on.
Facts
- 574 federally recognized Native American tribes in the US
- Each tribe has its own unique culture and language
- Many English words come from Native American languages
- Native Americans have served in the US military at high rates
- Tribal sovereignty gives tribes self-governance rights
Upcoming dates
- Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Monday, November 1, 2027
- Wednesday, November 1, 2028
- Thursday, November 1, 2029
- Friday, November 1, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National Native American Heritage Month in 2026?
National Native American Heritage Month in 2026 runs throughout November 2026. The observance is centered on the full month, starting November 1 and ending November 30.
What is National Native American Heritage Month?
It is a U.S. observance that honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans and Alaska Natives. The month also encourages education about tribal nations, sovereignty, and contemporary Indigenous life.
Who started National Native American Heritage Month?
Its modern federal form began with Congress and President George H. W. Bush in 1990. Earlier Native recognition efforts existed before that, but the monthlong observance was established through the 1990 authorization and proclamation process.
How do you celebrate National Native American Heritage Month?
You can celebrate by learning about local tribal history, reading Native authors, attending Indigenous cultural events, and supporting Native-owned businesses. It also helps to acknowledge the tribal lands where you live and to follow Native-led organizations and educators.
Is National Native American Heritage Month an official federal holiday?
No, it is an official federal observance, not a federal holiday. That means it is recognized and commemorated, but it does not create a day off from work or school.
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