November is National Native American Heritage Month, and while there has been a recent politicization of sport mascots and race-based branding, this is our time to share the true heritage of Native people and our contributions to this country. Whether it is to be found in the crafting of the Constitution or today’s growing job market in the Indian gaming industry, we continue to work together to create a stronger America.
November is a very special month of acknowledgement for Native American people. In 1990 November was designated nationally as Native American Heritage Month. In addition, the day after Thanksgiving has been proclaimed as Native American Heritage Day since 2009. This is a time when we celebrate the beauty, strength and resilience of Native American culture.
It is ironic that significant discussion regarding the name of the Washington football team has occurred at the same that we honor Native American people. However, as repugnant as the name and the characterizations of these team mascots may be, that should not be the whole focus.
It is true that it’s an exceptionally derogatory name, and the actions of those communities that continue to disrespect our nations and our cultures is extremely unfortunate; however, that issue is just one example of why we need to celebrate Native American Heritage month proudly. The more we can help people understand the true heritage of Native people, the more we can help them understand what is wrong with these caricatures. America’s first people paved the way for freedom of religion and freedom of speech and laid the foundation for the American system of government as recognized in Concurrent Resolution 331, passed by Congress on Oct. 4, 1988, that recognizes the influence of Native Americans, especially the Iroquois Confederacy, in the framing of the U.S. Constitution.
This past month, while the political parties engaged in an ideological struggle, tribal nations continued to work to provide the basic necessities for their people. Dealing with the government shutdown has been especially difficult for tribes, and the impact on its citizens is still being felt. The failure of Congress to fund the government meant that programs that Indian people rely upon were either not fully funded or not funded at all. To ensure that the federal government met its trust responsibility, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) came together during this difficult time to ensure that the impact on tribes would be minimized as much as possible.
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, we encourage all people to seek out opportunities to learn about Native culture, traditions, history and language. Enhance your knowledge and awareness of Native American music, dance, arts, crafts and dress. Celebrate Native American contributions to modern capitalism, agriculture, principles of freedom and democracy, medicine, architecture and engineering. Discover how Native American veterans have defended our freedom in every war since the formation of the United States, even before they were allowed to be citizens of this country. Learn to embrace the richness and diversity of the Native American culture and value its significant contributions to the world.
While America keeps working to get to a better place economically, politics continue to interfere. Nonetheless, tribes have a history of overcoming these challenges. These struggles continue to cast a significant burden on our communities, and this is one of the most important times in our history for tribes to stand together and help one another. In the end, it is about community and helping each other work through this difficult time. Our advocacy work is to continue to educate the members of Congress on the issues affecting Indian country and encourage them to bring these issues to the forefront.
As we do our work, we are not only helping our own communities, but also our surrounding communities through employment and purchases of goods and services. Indian gaming is responsible for more than 300,000 direct jobs and 350,000 indirect jobs. Indian gaming revenues are at an all-time high of $27.8 billion and $3.5 billion in ancillary revenues. As a result of our employment, base taxes of more than $13 billion go to federal, state and local governments. Our work helps to create a stronger America.
Indian country has a long history of contributing to the success of America. From the first Thanksgiving and the aid that the Oneida Nation brought to George Washington at Valley Forge to today, Indian country has always been ready to invest in America’s future. This month provides us the opportunity to share a more accurate depiction of the history of America, one that includes the incredible contributions Native people have made to this country. As we gather with our friends and families this month, we should pause to remember all those who went before us and made it possible for us to be where we are today.
Ernie Stevens Jr. is the chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association and a member of the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin. He can be reached at (202) 546-7711.
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