Celebrating Native American Heritage Month Honoring the History, Culture, and Lasting Legacy of Indigenous People

November is Native American Heritage Month—a time to honor the rich history, enduring traditions, and invaluable contributions of Indigenous peoples to our city, our nation, and our shared story.

While the month was first recognized federally in 1990, the origins of this important observance can be traced right here to New York State. In the early 1900s, Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca archaeologist and the Director of the Rochester Museum and Science Center, advocated tirelessly for a day of recognition for Native Americans. Thanks in large part to his efforts, New York became the first state to officially recognize “American Indian Day” in May 1916—a meaningful step toward the national celebration we now observe each November.

As we commemorate this month, we also take time to reflect on the history of the land we call home. Before the arrival of European settlers in the 17th century, the Lenape people lived throughout what is now New York City. The Dutch claimed to have “purchased” Manhattan from the Lenape in 1626, but historians note that the Lenape and the Dutch likely had very different understandings of this exchange—especially regarding land ownership. What followed was a period of violence, disease, and displacement that forced the Lenape from their ancestral home.

Yet, their legacy remains deeply woven into the fabric of our city. Many of New York’s neighborhoods and landmarks carry names rooted in Native American languages and heritage:

• Manhattan itself comes from the Lenape word Manna-hata, meaning “island of many hills.”

• Canarsie, a Brooklyn neighborhood, honors the tribe that once lived there.

• Other familiar names—like Gowanus and Jamaica—also stem from Native American origins, preserving a connection to the land’s first caretakers.

Today, Native American Heritage Month is not only a time to reflect on this complex history but also to celebrate the strength, leadership, and cultural vitality of Indigenous people today. From trailblazers like Marine Colonel Nicole Mann, the first Native American woman to travel to space, to Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Indigenous U.S. Cabinet member, Native Americans continue to make history and shape our society in powerful ways.

Explore and Learn Throughout November

All month long, New York City offers many opportunities to celebrate Native American history and culture:

• Visit the National Museum of the American Indian in Lower Manhattan, part of the Smithsonian Institution, and explore their in-person and virtual exhibitions.

• Participate in special events and educational programs at New York Public Library branches across the city.

• Take part in community gatherings, art events, and storytelling workshops at NYC Parks and the New York Botanical Garden.

• Discover virtual exhibitions like the New York State Museum’s REPRESENT: Contemporary Native American Art and the Smithsonian’s American Indian Powwows: Multiplicity and Authenticity.

• Connect with local Indigenous artists and educators through the Redhawk Council, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Native American culture through the arts.

As we honor Native American Heritage Month, Fort Greene Council proudly joins in celebrating the resilience, wisdom, and cultural richness of Indigenous peoples—past, present, and future. Their stories remind us of the importance of stewardship, community, and respect for the land we share.

Étienne Eaton, 

Fort Greene Council, Inc. Marketing Manager