Every November, we observe Native American Heritage Month — also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month — a nationally recognized time to honor the rich cultures, histories, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States.

Why November?

The month was officially designated in 1990 when President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution recognizing November as “National American Indian Heritage Month.” (Ohio University)
November was chosen because it traditionally marks a time of harvest and gathering in many Indigenous communities — a season of gratitude, reflection, and renewal. (Terrebonne Parish Library)

What This Month Represents

This observance is far more than a single moment on the calendar. It is:

  • A time to celebrate the diversity of Indigenous cultures, languages, artistry, and knowledge systems across Turtle Island. (American Library Association)

  • An opportunity to recognize the achievements and leadership of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated island communities whose contributions have shaped our country. (Bureau of Indian Affairs)

  • A chance to reflect on both the historical injustices — colonization, displacement, assimilation policies — and the enduring resilience, vitality, and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples today. (Quinnipiac University)

  • A call to action to keep this learning and celebration alive year-round, not confined to a single month. (First Nations Development Institute)

How You Can Engage

This month — and all year long — NHEE encourages educators, students, and community partners to deepen place-based learning by incorporating Indigenous perspectives, histories, and leadership into their work. True engagement goes beyond acknowledgement and celebration; it means relationship, reciprocity, and continued learning. Here are a few ways to begin or continue that journey:

  • Learn about the Indigenous peoples of New Hampshire. Explore Indigenous New Hampshire — a collaboration among tribal members, educators, and researchers that shares place-based stories, histories, and maps centering Indigenous presence across the Granite State.

  • Connect with local history and living culture. The Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner, NH offers exhibits, programs, and resources that honor the cultural and environmental knowledge of Native peoples throughout the Americas.

  • Incorporate Indigenous voices and media. New Hampshire PBS’s “Our New Hampshire: Abenaki People” provides classroom resources, videos, and stories that highlight the enduring presence and traditions of the Abenaki people.

  • Recognize that the Abenaki people are still here. Read New Hampshire’s Abenaki People Are Still Here from New Hampshire Magazine to better understand how Abenaki communities continue to thrive and advocate for cultural preservation today.

  • Support year-round learning and leadership. Our partners at The Outdoor Learning School & Store have worked with Indigenous staff, advisors, and partners to curate meaningful learning opportunities from Indigenous educators, authors, and leaders across Turtle Island. These resources are designed to extend learning across all four seasons — a reminder that building understanding and respect is a continual practice.

Together, these resources invite us to honor the original stewards of the land we learn and teach on, and to ensure that Indigenous perspectives are interwoven into environmental education throughout the year — not just in November.

Upcoming Events

This November, several local programs and community gatherings will offer opportunities to learn and celebrate.

📅 Thursday, November 20, 2025 – 6:00 p.m.
Lane Memorial Library – Hampton, NH
Observing Native American Heritage Month: “How 500 Years of Colonization Has Impacted the Abenaki Peoples of New Hampshire and the Northeast”
Join Anne Jennison — a New Hampshire–based Native American storyteller, historian, educator, and craftsperson with both European and Abenaki heritage — for an in-person PowerPoint presentation exploring the deep history and ongoing impact of colonization in the Northeast. Register Here.

📅 Tuesday, November 25, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
Groton Public Library – Groton, MA (Online Event)
A virtual presentation with Anne Jennison: “How 500 Years of Colonization Has Impacted the Abenaki Peoples of New Hampshire and the Northeast.”
Anne brings over 30 years of storytelling and teaching experience, along with master’s degrees in both Storytelling and History, to her work illuminating Indigenous narratives and perspectives. Learn more and register here.

📅 Monday, November 3, 2025 – 4:00–5:00 p.m.
University of New Hampshire – Beauregard Center (MUB 120)
UNH Native American Heritage Month: Kickoff and Community Gathering
Join the Aulbani J. Beauregard Center for Equity, Justice, and Freedom, the Diversity Support Coalition, and the Native American Cultural Association (NACA) for a community gathering to kick off UNH’s Native American Heritage Month celebration. Light refreshments provided.
View the full schedule of events and celebration highlights on UNH’s Instagram page or the UNH event calendar.

Learn More

Saturday, November 1 marks the beginning of Native American Heritage Month.
Let’s make this November — and every season that follows — a time of meaningful connection, respect, and growth.