November is National Native American Heritage Month, a month to “celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation” (https://www.bia.gov).
Gustavus itself was built on lands belonging to the Dakota people. The campus has drafted several land acknowledgement statements, including this one: Gustavus Adolphus College is located on the homelands of the Dakota people. The Minnesota River and its watershed are sacred places; these waters and lands are interconnected with Dakota culture, language, creation stories, spiritual rites, livelihood, and sustenance. We seek to honor Dakota people by telling the truth about this history.
This year’s Native American Heritage Month theme is “Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity.” With this theme in mind, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a proclamation, stating “during Native Heritage Month, Minnesota honors vibrant and diverse Native American cultures by continuing our commitment to government-to-government relationships and promoting appreciation, reconciliation, understanding, friendship, and continued partnerships among all Minnesotans and the Native Peoples of this land.”
Resources in the Library: The Library provides resources for celebrating and learning about Native American Heritage in November – and throughout the year! A few examples:
- Display: Native American Heritage Month (Library main floor, Hasselquist Room)
- Display: Native American Resources in Government Documents (Library lower level)
- Library Catalog Search: Search the Library catalog for books, ebooks and more
- Browse a Sample Library Catalog Search: Browse the results of keyword search for “Native American” (limited to books published in the last 25 years)
- Primary Source Collection: American Indian Movement & Native American Radicalism Collection (Gustavus login required)
- Research Guide: Indigenous Peoples Research Guide (click the North America tab)
- Streaming Video: Native America (PBS 2018) and We Shall Remain: America Through Native Eyes (PBS 2009) (Gustavus login required)
- And more! Contact a librarian for assistance
Additional resources for Native American Heritage Month:
- American Indian Library Association
- Minnesota Indian Affairs Council
- Minnesota Indian Tribes (Links to Websites for seven Anishinaabe (Chippewa, Ojibwe) reservations and four Dakota (Sioux) communities)
- Native American Heritage Month (nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov)
- National Archives Resources
- National Endowment for the Humanities (Teacher Resources)
- National Park Service Resources
- Native Americans (Historic Fort Snelling)
- Native Governance Center
- Proclamation: Native American Heritage Month 2023 (Governor Walz)
- Proclamation: Native American Heritage Month 2023 (President Biden)
- Smithsonian Institution Education Resources
Looking for more information? Ask Us!