Happy Native American Heritage Month!
November marks the celebration of Native American Heritage Month, a month where we celebrate and honor the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans.

At the turn of the century, Dr. Arthur C. Parker of the Seneca Nation persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the "First Americans." Over the course of 90 years, various days to honor Native Americans, celebrated by individual states, slowly became the celebration that we now know as Native American Heritage Month.

Across the United States, there are 574 federally-recognized sovereign Native American nations and tribes, plus many others that are recognized by individual states. Connecticut recognizes five sovereign nations that have called our state home long before its colonization: the Eastern Pequot, Golden Hill Paugussett, Schaghticoke, Mashantucket Pequot, and Mohegan nations. Learn about the nations that make up your area of the state or country with Native Land Digital's searchable map. 

While you take in the history and legacy these nations have had in our area for thousands of years, we implore you to also explore Native American artists, musicians, authors, and creators who are making waves today by:

- Listening to a podcast, from the quick, morning coffee listen "National Native News" to "Métis in Space," an exploration of science fiction tropes, themes, and hidden meanings.

- Jamming out to Native American musicians, courtesy of PBS. They even have a Spotify playlist to get you started! 

- Getting acquainted with contemporary Native American artists, from painter Jaune Quick-to-See Smith to photographer Cara Romero.

And, of course, we encourage you to read our librarians' favorite stories by Native American authors about their beautiful and diverse cultures and communities.

Celebrate Native American voices.

Rosalie has suddenly been sent to live with a foster family, thrust into a new way of life without her father. Twenty years later, she returns home and begins to rediscover her heritage, family, and culture.

Place a hold

Bugz is caught between two worlds. In the real world, she's a shy and self-conscious Indigenous teen who faces the stresses of teenage angst and life on the reservation. Online, she's a dominant video game player.

Place a hold

When Malian travels to her grandparents' home on a Wabanaki reservation, she does not expect to stay there long — until COVID-19 hits. Isolated from the world, Malian makes an unexpected friend: Malsum, a rez dog.

Place a hold 

Read more books by Native American authors.

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