Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of Native peoples to the United States. First declared by President H.W. Bush in 1990, this commemoration recognizes the 574 federally recognized Tribal Nations that continue shaping America.
Let's take a look at some of the key developments in Native American business, politics, and culture over the last few years.

• On the business front, Native-owned firms continue to grow at a rapid pace. According to a 2022 survey by the Native American Contractors Association, the number of Native-owned businesses increased by 79% from 2017 to 2022. Major areas of business expansion include construction, renewable energy, and technology services. For example, in 2021 the Navajo Nation opened the Kayenta Solar Facility, the largest utility-scale renewable energy plant ever built on tribal lands. Generating funds and jobs for local communities, tribal green energy projects like this exemplify how Native nations are leveraging their sovereign resources for economic development.
• Politically, the historic appointment of Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) as Secretary of the Interior in 2021 marked a major milestone. As the first Native American cabinet secretary, Haaland has spearheaded efforts to strengthen tribal sovereignty and further the federal government's trust responsibilities to Native communities. Other Native political leaders are also making their mark in state legislatures across the country. Currently, there are at least 75 Native American state legislators nationwide.
• Culturally, Indigenous authors, filmmakers, and artists continue to enrich America's literary and artistic landscape. Books like Tommy Orange’s There There and Louise Erdrich’s The Night Watchman have won major national awards and focused attention on contemporary Native storytellers. Films and TV shows like Prey, Reservation Dogs, and Dark Winds have brought a diversity of representation, both in front and behind the screen. Native American designers like Jamie Okuma have shattered glass ceilings in fashion, using art as activism to elevate Indigenous cultural heritage.

As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month 2023, let us recognize recent Native accomplishments as well as the centuries-old roots of Indigenous knowledge, creativity, and persistence. The future will be brighter for all as Indian Country's momentum continues.

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