Every day we appreciate having opportunities to connect people with stories that reflect their own experiences. Darien is a better place to call home thanks to our Native American neighbors, colleagues, and friends. The Library celebrates year-round the vibrant cultural heritage of indigenous people. We are honored to be part of the continuous process of building a more inclusive community together.
History of Native American Heritage Month
The United States celebrates Native American Heritage Month from November 1st through November 30th each year. President George H.W. Bush said in 1990, "Long before European explorers set foot on the North American continent, this great land has been cultivated and cherished by generations of American Indians" (Proclamation 6230). Bush also signed the National Museum of the American Indian Act in 1989 for the founding of a new Smithsonian museum in Washington, D.C.
Wilma Mankiller
Mankiller was the first woman to hold the position of Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. She "reinvigorated the Cherokee Nation through community-development projects where men and women work collectively for the common good."
Source
Photo by Phil Konstantin via CC-by-3.0.
Red Cloud (Maȟpíya Lúta)
Red Cloud was a leader of the Oglala Lakoka. He pushed back against the United States' expansion into modern-day Montana, most notably with Red Cloud's War between 1866 an 1868. He later traveled the country trying to win better conditions for his people who were forced onto a reservation.
Maria Tallchief (Ki He Kah Stah Tsa)
Tallchief of the Osage Nation was America's first major prima bellerina. "Her role as the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker transformed the ballet from obscure to America's most popular." She received the National Medal of Arts and is part of the National Women's Hall of Fame.
John Herrington
Herrington is a member of the Chicksaw Nation. In 2002, he became the first Native American astronaut to go to outer space. He carried the Chicksaw flag on his trip. He's been honored in the Chickasaw Hall of Fame and the International Air & Space Hall of Fame, among others.
Edmonia Lewis
Lewis was of Ojibwa descent and was the first professional African American and Native American sculptor. She produced works in a Neoclassical-style and achieved international prominenence. Her work was first recognized during the Civil War era.
Cory Witherill
Witherill of the Navajo Nation was the first Native American to drive in the Indianapolis 500. At the 2001 race, he came in 19th out of 33 drivers. During the 2002-2003 race season, he finished 8 times and won at the Nasheville Superspeedway.
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Photo by Imsproductions via CC-by-3.0.
Sharice Davids
Davids is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation. She is one of two Native Americans elected to Congress where she serves in the U.S. House of Representative for Kansas. Davids is also the first openly LGBT Native American serving in Congress. She was a mixed martial artist.
N. Scott Momaday
Momaday of the Kiowa Tribe won a Pulitzer Prize for his novel, House Made of Dawn, in 1969. His novel is credited with starting the Native American Renaissance in literature. His other works include poetry and prose for children and adults. He's received a National Medal of Arts.
Source
Photo by Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Culture Center via CC BY 2.0