November is National Native American Heritage Month. This is a time to recognize and celebrate the history of your tribe and the Indigenous people of Turtle Island. The workplace is wonderful opportunity to share your culture and educate others about Native traditions. Here are a few ways to do just that.
Create or Join an Employee Resource Group (ERG)
According to a recent survey, a sense of belonging decreases for Native American and Alaska Native employees as they move up the ranks within an organization. This may be due in part to the fact that they are not aware of or haven't connected with other Indigenous employees with similar backgrounds. If your workplace doesn’t already have an ERG, establish one for Native peoples. If there is one, join the group and participate in the activities — or even get involved in planning events. An ERG a great way to share your culture with others through a safe and supportive space at work.
Donate to a Native American Organization
Organize a company fundraiser for a Native organization. If your company as a whole does not donate to other organizations, consider supporting Native-owned businesses by sharing the names of organizations and talented Indigenous artists, designers, and craftspeople with coworkers. You can support these small businesses and cross a few gift purchases off your holiday to-do list.
Talk About Your Culture
This may sound simple, but it’s not always easy to share personal information, including your culture and traditions, with others. Being open with your colleagues, however, will help them understand why your Native culture is special and unique. Start by sharing stories in informal settings. This will allow your colleagues to ask questions and expand their own knowledge. Speaking openly and honestly about your background is an ideal way to both educate and include your colleagues in your cultural experiences.
Support Native American Authors
If you're part of a workplace book club, suggest novels by Native American authors. If your organization doesn’t have a book club, consider starting one and be sure to promote Indigenous writers and content — not just in November, but throughout the year.
National Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate your culture in ways that are meaningful to you. Sharing your culture at work not only helps your colleagues better understand who you are, but also exposes them to the traditions and history of Indigenous peoples. Honor yourself and your ancestors by sharing their incredible stories.
ON TOPIC
Staying true to your culture and sharing your traditions with others — be it with neighbors, colleagues, or perfect strangers — can take courage. When you find yourself in need of strengthening your resolve, it can help to draw upon the wisdom of respected elders. Meet with the elders in your tribe to ground yourself. Talk with family members who can share their own experiences and help guide you. Reflect on the words and wisdom of Indigenous leaders from the past to gain perspective and guidance as you move forward. Here are a few inspirational quotes to close out National Native American Heritage Month.
"Go forward with courage. When you are in doubt, be still, and wait; when doubt no longer exists for you, then go forward with courage. So long as mists envelop you, be still; be still until the sunlight pours through and dispels the mists – as it surely will. Then act with courage."
— Chief White Eagle, Ponca Chief
Ohèn:ton Karihwatéhkwen – Words Before All Else
We gather our minds to greet and thank the Enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages.
When we forget how to live in harmony, they remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people.
With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring Teachers.
Now our minds are one.
— The Enlightened Teachers
