This year we invite you to be curious and go a little deeper into the heritage, awareness, and pride months we honor in the United States. November is Native American Heritage Month.
History and Stories
Exploring Indigenous stories and perspectives can reshape our understanding of Minnesota’s history. Our state is on Native land – Mni Sóta – which is the Dakota name for the Minnesota River. Many of the stories we tell ourselves minimize the truth of the people who lived here first. Leah Lemm, a Native artist and podcast creator, dives into the intersection of Indigenous tradition and local folklore about the myth of Paul Bunyan. Listen to her episode or read the Minnesota Reformer’s analysis of Paul Bunyan to gain insight into how Indigenous communities view these iconic figures differently.
Land and Culture
The land we now call Washington County holds centuries of Native American history and knowledge. This month, consider exploring resources from the Native Governance Center to understand how we can work alongside Native communities and respect their governance structures and traditional practices. Partnering with Native nations honors both the past and the ongoing leadership of Native communities in preserving these lands.
Food and Wellness
Food and wellness are deeply rooted in Native traditions of land stewardship and sustainable agriculture. Programs like Dream of Wild Health, which supports Native youth in growing traditional crops. Pow Wow Grounds, a Native-owned coffee shop, is a welcoming space to connect with Indigenous foods and culture while supporting Native-owned businesses.
Art and Creativity
Native art is a profound way to honor and sustain culture. The Minneapolis Institute of Art’s Native American Heritage Month exhibits celebrate this creativity, each piece offering a glimpse into the stories and traditions behind it. For a more personal view, Leah Lemm’s artwork reflects Ojibwe experiences and stories.
Supporting Indigenous Communities Locally
At Valley Outreach, we’re committed to providing equitable access to food, clothing, and resources for all. We understand that meeting basic needs is vital to justice and community well-being. We’re seeking partnerships to learn and engage with Native community members as part of our commitment to equity and inclusion. We recognize that Valley Outreach is located on Native Land.
Native American Heritage Month invites us to learn, reflect, and take action to create a more just and sustainable Minnesota. By supporting Native voices and initiatives, we contribute to a more inclusive community that honors Native American heritage.
Read all the Valley Outreach Be Curious posts here.
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