November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the traditions, languages, and stories of Native American and Alaska Native communities.
This celebration dates back to 1976, when Jerry C. Elliott-High Eagle authored the legislation for Native American Awareness Week, which was signed by President Ford. In 1990, President Bush declared the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month, also referred to as Native American Heritage Month.
Native Women’s Equal Pay Day also takes place this month on Tuesday, Nov. 18, which is the day when Native American women’s pay finally catches up to what white men were paid by the end of the prior year. Native American women who work full- and part-time earn approximately 53 cents for every dollar that white men earn, and women in Indigenous communities are more likely to experience poverty, high levels of unemployment and other challenges in their lives. You can get additional information about Native Women’s Equal Pay Day here.