November is recognized as Native American Heritage Month, a time for Americans to celebrate and recognize the history, cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples throughout the nation’s history.
Several terms are used to describe the Indigenous populations that have inhabited what is now the United States for centuries. Common terms include Native American, American Indian, Indian, Indigenous and Native.
According to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, these terms are generally acceptable, but referring to individuals by their specific tribal affiliation, such as Cherokee Nation or Seneca Nation, is preferred when possible.
While Native American is commonly used in the United States, preferences vary among individuals and tribal communities. When unsure how to refer to someone, asking about their preferred terminology is a respectful approach.
Efforts to establish national recognition for Indigenous Americans date back more than a century.
Arthur C. Parker, an anthropologist and member of the Seneca Nation, was among the earliest advocates for a day honoring Indigenous Americans.
In 1924, Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act, granting U.S. citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States. Efforts to recognize Indigenous history and contributions continued at the state and federal levels.
In 1986, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the last week of November as American Indian Week. Subsequent presidents issued similar proclamations, and in 1990, President George H.W. Bush designated November as National American Indian Heritage Month.
Northeast Tennessee has historical ties to several Indigenous communities, including the Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek) and Yuchi peoples.
While many Muscogee and Yuchi people now live in Oklahoma, the Cherokee maintain a significant presence in the region. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is based in nearby western North Carolina.
Indigenous Americans have made significant contributions to the nation, particularly in public health and medicine.
Annie Dodge Wauneka, a member of the Navajo Nation, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963 for her work promoting health education and improving access to medical information in the Navajo language.
Susan La Flesche Picotte, a member of the Omaha Tribe, became the first Native American woman to earn a medical degree. She dedicated her career to improving health care and hygiene on the Omaha Reservation while treating patients suffering from illnesses such as tuberculosis and cholera.
Their contributions reflect the lasting influence Indigenous Americans have had on public health and the well-being of communities across the country.
This Native American Heritage Month, Americans are encouraged to learn more about the histories of Indigenous communities in their regions and recognize the contributions Native Americans continue to make today.
