November is Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month. This month is a time to recognize and celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, sacrifices, contributions, achievements, histories, and acknowledging our nation’s first peoples. It is an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise general awareness about the unique challenges Native people are continuing to face historically and presently.

Native Americans are very much alive and well in our country. Awareness and education to the general population are essential. Still, to this day, many misconceptions should be clarified. There are countless amenities utilized today that are derived from Native Americans. We consume many foods and medicines/remedies that we use, which were introduced by Native Americans. There is more than one highway that follows an Indian Trail. Native American contributions touch every bit of American Life, such as their literature and arts spew the wisdom and themes of Native American culture. And still, Native Americans have challenges to overcome and persevere when fighting for land rights, water rights, fishing rights, and shedding light on the concern of Missing Murdered Indigenous People is on-going today. There are approximately 326 reservations, and Native Americans make up about 1% of the Nation’s population. As the Nations’ first people, South Sound Behavioral Hospital acknowledges you.