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In celebration of the histories and contributions of historically marginalized identities, Springmont commemorates heritage months and identity recognitions throughout the school year.  These acknowledgments are an opportunity for all members of our community to learn more about the traditions, achievements, history, and current experiences of those often underrepresented. 

Native American Heritage Month, celebrated in November, recognizes and celebrates the cultures, traditions, languages, stories, and histories of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island communities. 

According to the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs, there are 574 federally recognized Indian Tribal Nations in the United States. Before 1492 and European settlements and colonization, there were more than 1000 tribes. Since then, Native Americans have fallen victim to disease, warfare, and enslavement and faced forced assimilation, violent expansions resulting in mandatory relocation, and the attempted erasure of language and tradition. 

Despite these challenges, Native Americans have persevered and been innovators and inventors. The Iroquois Confederacy is said to have significantly influenced the U.S. Constitution.   Native Americans are credited with the invention of snowshoes, goggles, early pain relievers, syringes, baby bottles, kayaks, corn, and many other crops. 

Native American history is complex, and American Indians have gone to great lengths to record and preserve their histories, language, and traditions. They have successfully advocated for their rights, sovereignty, land preservation, and restitution. Many American Indians and Alaska Natives enjoy dual citizenship in their Indian Tribal Nation with all rights and privileges to that nation as well as citizenship with the United States of America.  

How many Indian Nations can you name?  What do you know about their history, heritage, and culture?  If you and your family are interested in learning more, you might visit Georgia’s Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site or Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park. The Native American Heritage Month website and the Smithsonian’s Native American Heritage Month webpages offer additional resources.