National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities.

As early as 1915, when New York became the first state to declare an “American Indian Day,” efforts have been underway to acknowledge the many contributions and achievements of Native peoples. People such as Dr. Arthur C. Parker in 1915 (Seneca Indian), Rev. Sherman Coolidge in 1915 (Arapahoe) and Red Fox James in 1915 (Blackfoot Indian) were early proponents for a day to honor Native American communities. 

In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994.