Native American Heritage Month 2023
Clarissa Alexander
Principal Strategist
Native American Employment Portfolio
Message from our Strategist
Native American Heritage Month, established in 1990, celebrates the rich, cultural contributions of Native Americans to society. This year’s NIH theme, “Indigenous Resilience and Cultural Revitalization,” aims to increase awareness of and foster dialogue on equity, opportunity, and justice for American Indian communities.
There is much to commemorate and even more to learn from one another as we highlight the diversity that strengthens our workplace. Demonstrate allyship by embracing our theme; engage in conversations with your colleagues about the important matters of fairness and justice for this community within our shared space.
I hope you will find time to explore the featured blogs and participate in the events we feature for the month. Let November serve as a reminder of the importance of cultural understanding as we continue to build a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Lawrence A. Tabak, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Acting Director
National Institutes of Health
Kevin D. Williams, Esq.
Director
EDI
Message from Leadership
Dear Colleagues,
This month we celebrate Native American Heritage Month (NAHM). This year’s theme, “Indigenous Resilience and Cultural Revitalization,” highlights the culture, traditions, and achievements of the Nation’s original inhabitants and their descendants. This is an opportune time for us to educate ourselves about the history, culture, perseverance, and issues facing Native American communities.
In addition, we are excited to share the establishment of the Indigenous at NIH Employee Resource Group (ERG), a new ERG dedicated to improving cultural competency, enhancing recruitment efforts, and identifying funding opportunities for Tribal Colleges and Universities. The concept for this group was derived from the Native American Listening Session held in August of 2022. If you are interested in joining the Indigenous at NIH Employee Resource Group, please contact edi.native@mail.nih.gov.
On Tuesday, November 7, we invite you to attend Dr. Karina L. Walters’ presentation, Beyond Survivance: Thrivance Among American Indian and Alaska Native Cancer Survivors. Dr. Walters is the Director of NIH Tribal Health Research Office, in the Office of the Director’s Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives. Explore our campaign page this month to learn about key moments and figures that shaped Native American history; discover hand talk, an endangered common language among Native American tribes; and increase your understanding of cultural appropriation and appreciation.
Our organization thrives on diversity, which brings a variety of perspectives, experiences, and talents to the table. NAHM reminds us that we are part of a larger tapestry, beautifully woven with different cultures, each contributing to the overall strength and resilience of our community.
Please visit EDI’s website, explore the blog posts, follow the office on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter), and watch EDI’s YouTube channel to stay informed on the exciting things that are happening this month.
Featured Stories
Events
Native American Arts Exhibit
Join the Conversation
What were you surprised to learn during 2023 Native American Heritage Month?
Join the conversation on our social media channels below. Share what posts resonated with you the most and tell us if there are any additional topics you would like to see in the future.
About the Artwork
The artwork for our 2023 Native American Heritage Month observance displays a patterned design inspired by a Navajo blanket made between 1900 and 1920. There are currently 573 federally recognized tribes across the United States, each with their own languages, customs, traditions, and art forms. The artwork depicts several Native American symbols from the recognized tribes such as the Bear, Sun, Turtle, Eagle, Cactus, and Buffalo, each symbolizing the strength, courage, and resiliency of the Native
Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division