Native American Heritage Month – Working on Dxʷdəwʔabš (Duwamish) land

November is Native American Heritage Month, which according to the National Congress of American Indians, “is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people.” The Seattle Fire Department would like to acknowledge the many contributions of the Native members of the department and in our community and to recognize their resilience.

Native American Heritage Month is also a time to raise awareness about the harms of colonialism and exclusion of Indigenous peoples – historically and today. Recognizing and acknowledging the land inhabited by agencies and institutions is one way to honor and pay tribute to local Native Tribes. While it is important to acknowledge the land where we live and work, there are additional actions people can take to honor Indigenous peoples. The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Front Porch is highlighting stories and profiles to honor local indigenous community members.

Resources to learn more about local tribes and Native American Heritage Month:

Duwamish Tribe History

UW American Indian Studies

Native American Heritage Month (Library of Congress)

Burke Museum

United Indians of all Tribes

Native Governance Center – Beyond Land Acknowledgment Guide