History of Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month, recognized each November in the United States grew out of decades of advocacy to create a national moment for honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Early efforts to establish a dedicated observance date back to the early 20th century. Over time, city and state proclamations expanded into federal recognition. In 1990, a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress and a presidential proclamation formally recognized November as National American Indian Heritage Month. Subsequent proclamations have continued the tradition, encouraging schools, organizations, and citizens to learn from and engage with Native communities.

For Cherokee people, this month resonates with a living legacy; language revitalization, traditional arts, and the ongoing work of contemporary artists and entrepreneurs. Heritage Month is not just remembrance; it’s a reminder that Indigenous nations are present, creative, and leading vibrant cultural work today.

Why We Celebrate

We celebrate to honor the first peoples of this land and to recognize the cultures that have shaped it. Celebration is also about choice: choosing authenticity over imitation, listening over assuming, and relationships over transactions. When you read a Native author, visit a cultural center, or purchase from a Native-owned business, you contribute to living traditions and the economies that sustain them.

At Cherokee Copper, celebration is personal. Our family has poured years into reviving and sharing Cherokee copperwork; teaching our children, mentoring others, and crafting pieces that carry meaning. This month is a chance to connect your story to ours in ways that are respectful, joyful, and lasting.

Attend Cultural Events & Gatherings

One of the most authentic ways to honor Indigenous culture is to show up in person—listen, learn, and participate with respect. Many communities host talks, film nights, language workshops, or artist demonstrations throughout November. A few places to watch for programming:

• Skadsi Con — a celebration of Indigenous fandom and creativity. While we won’t be selling there this year, it’s a powerful reminder that Native stories live in every genre:from traditional arts to comics, games, and pop culture.
• Tomaquag Museum (Exeter, RI) — a long-time community hub presenting exhibits, educational programs, and a shop featuring Native-made works.
• Red Earth Gallery (Oklahoma City, OK) — showcases Indigenous art year-round and often highlights Native artists and makers in November.
• Museum of the Cherokee People (Cherokee, NC) — a cornerstone of Cherokee history and contemporary culture.

Wherever you are, check local tribal cultural centers and Native-owned galleries for programs and exhibits during November.

Support Native-Owned Businesses & Artisans

Purchasing from Native-owned brands sustains artisans, families, and culture. It helps fund apprenticeships, materials, tools, and the time required to teach the next generation.

Every piece from Cherokee Copper is handcrafted in our home studio by award-winning family members. We work primarily in reclaimed copper sourced in the Southwest, shaping, forging, and finishing each design by hand. When you choose an authentic piece, you’re investing in living heritage rather than mass production.

Prefer to shop in person? Explore our stockists and cultural-partner shops on our Where to Find Us page.

Learn & Reflect: Family, Stories & Heritage

Heritage Month is an ideal time to learn directly from Indigenous voices, through books, talks, and exhibits. If you have Cherokee heritage, consider exploring language resources or the stories behind meaningful symbols like the Cherokee Star or the Cherokee syllabary. If you are an ally, focus on listening and amplifying Native sources.

Invite your family or coworkers into the conversation. Share what you’re reading, explore a museum together, or host a lunchtime discussion about what “heritage” means and how to celebrate respectfully.

Wear & Gift with Meaning

Jewelry has always carried stories—identity, memory, connection. When you wear or gift Native-made pieces, you honor the people who created them and the culture that shaped the design.

• Choose designs rooted in meaning—our Cherokee Star pieces, Cherokee Nation Seal medallions, and cuffs engraved with the Cherokee syllabary are among our most loved.
• Pair the gift with a story. Share who made it, what it represents, and why you chose it.
• Care for the piece so it lasts—store copper away from moisture, and use a soft cloth for gentle polishing.

Share, Support & Amplify Native Voices

Celebration is also communal. Lend your platform—large or small—to elevate Native voices. Share artists and authors you love, highlight the Indigenous-led events you attend, and encourage your school, workplace, or faith community to feature a Native speaker or book this month.

On social media, tag creators and brands directly and use hashtags like #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth and #SupportNativeBusiness. Small signals add up when many of us participate.

Visit Our Partners

We’re proud to collaborate with museums and shops that champion Indigenous artists. Many host special programming or features in November. Check their calendars for current details:

• Tomaquag Museum — Exeter, Rhode Island
• Red Earth Gallery — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Museum of the Cherokee People — Cherokee, North Carolina

Find more stockists on our Where to Find Us page.

Read Native Voices: Books We Recommend

Stories are bridges—they connect us across time and experience. Choose titles by Native authors and, when possible, buy from Native-owned or local bookstores.

Cherokee Authors

• Vanessa Lillie — Blood Sisters; Little Voices — Page-turning suspense that explores identity, place, and the ties that bind. (We’ve partnered with Vanessa on selected projects.)
• Traci Sorell — We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga; Contenders — Children’s and historical works celebrating Cherokee life, language, and leadership.
• Santee Frazier — Dark Thirty — Poetry that examines endurance, humor, and self-definition.

Other Notable Native Voices

• Robin Wall Kimmerer (Potawatomi) — Braiding Sweetgrass — An inspiring blend of ecology, reciprocity, and Indigenous knowledge.
• Louise Erdrich (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) — The Night Watchman — Award-winning fiction rooted in community and history.
• Angeline Boulley (Ojibwe) — Firekeeper’s Daughter — A YA thriller interwoven with culture and responsibility.

FAQs

What is Native American Heritage Month?

It’s a month-long recognition each November that honors the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the U.S. Communities, schools, and organizations use this time to learn from Native voices and celebrate with intention.

How can non-Native allies celebrate respectfully?

Listen first. Seek out Indigenous-led sources, attend events hosted by Native organizations, purchase from Native-owned businesses, and credit artists and educators directly when you share. Avoid claiming or performing someone else’s culture—center relationships and learning instead.

Where can I buy authentic Native jewelry?

Look for Native-owned brands and ask about provenance—who made the piece and where. Explore our stockists to shop in person, or visit CherokeeCopper.com to shop directly from our family studio.

How do I teach children about Cherokee and other Native cultures?

Use age-appropriate books by Native authors (Traci Sorell’s titles are excellent), visit museums and cultural centers, and emphasize listening and respect. Share the positive contributions of contemporary Native people alongside history.

What makes copper special in Cherokee Copper’s work?

Copper is traditional, beautiful, and durable. We shape and finish each piece by hand, often using recycled copper, so every item carries the mark of the maker and the story of the craft.

Closing Thoughts

Native American Heritage Month is an invitation to learn, support, and connect