Native American Heritage Month 2024

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution in which he designated the month of November "National American Indian Heritage Month." Former President Bush asked all Americans and their elected representatives at the federal, state, and local levels to observe the month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

Today, NIH celebrates Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) by recognizing the sovereignty of Tribal nations and highlighting the extraordinary histories, contributions, and contemporary lives of Native Americans. This commemorative month helps us reflect on the distinctive cultures that play an integral role in the greater narrative of American history.

I invite you to participate in the exciting events and programming offered this month as we observe the NIH NAHM theme, “Indigenous Resilience: Overcoming Barriers.” I hope you will create the time and space to engage in allyship and community by learning more about the diverse and dynamic traditions and cultures of Native peoples.

NIH honors Native American Heritage Month by celebrating the diverse traditions, rich histories, and contributions of Native Americans as the original inhabitants of our nation. This year, NIH observes “Indigenous Resilience: Overcoming Barriers” through activities, events, and programming coordinated by NIH Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) that highlight Native American culture while addressing contemporary issues.

This month presents an opportunity to acknowledge the agency’s ongoing commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and highlight our partnerships with Native American communities. In 2024, EDI launched several Native American-focused initiatives to promote targeted outreach, boost cultural competency, and recognize Native employees’ contributions to NIH and beyond. In August, EDI hosted a virtual panel discussion titled “Health and Reproductive Equity for All: To Doula or Not to Doula,” which discussed the challenges faced by Indigenous communities when interacting with westernized medical systems and provided information on ways to address those challenges. Also, EDI recently updated its Native American Special Emphasis Portfolio page to provide additional information and resources for NIH staff.

NIH staff can join one of many Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) designed to connect people with common interests as well as promote diversity and inclusion. The NIH Directory of ERGs includes the Indigenous Employees at NIH Employee Resource Group (IN-ERG), which provides a forum for Indigenous employees and allies to interact, network, and discuss current and historical issues relevant to Indigenous community members. In addition, IN-ERG offers support and advocates for equitable access to inclusive employment and advancement opportunities for Indigenous NIH staff.

On November 18, EDI will host a hybrid Celebration of Resilience Indigenous Cultural Festival at the NIH Clinical Center on the main Bethesda campus to showcase the dynamic traditions and the many achievements of Native peoples. This interagency event will feature distinguished speakers from several federal entities and a cultural exhibition from an Indigenous dance troupe comprised of eight traditional powwow dancers.

Together, we can empower all members of the NIH community to collectively build a workplace that is welcoming and full of promise. For additional opportunities in this noble endeavor, visit EDI’s website, subscribe to the EDI Pulse, following EDI on LinkedIn and X, and viewing EDI’s YouTube channel to stay informed.