November is National Native American Heritage Month.

The Native American appreciation and recognition effort goes back to 1915 when Blackfoot Indian Red Fox James went state to state seeking approval for a day to honor the indigenous people. He was able to garner support from 24 state governments, according to the Native American Heritage Month website.

Traction was gained when the director of the Museum of Arts and Science, Rochester, N.Y., Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set a day to honor “First Americans.” This tradition continued for three years.

Further efforts continued until the governor of New York declared the second Saturday in May 1916 the first American Indian Day in a state. According to the NAHM website, several states also celebrate the fourth Friday in September.

It wasn’t until 1990 that November was officially designated National American Indian Heritage Month, thanks to a joint resolution from President George H.W. Bush.

Additionally, President Joe Biden officially declared Oct. 11, 2021, as Indigenous Peoples Day. This came after efforts to redesignate Columbus Day in honor of the native people.

Our area includes the land of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. The Lenape people originally inhabited Delaware, New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New York, according to the website.

“For over 10,000 years, they have been the caretakers of these lands and of the River of Human Beings, more commonly known as the Delaware River,” the website states. “The Lenape were the first tribe to sign a treaty with the United States and the first tribe to have land set aside for them in New Jersey.”

The Lenape Nation’s Cultural Center and Trading Post is located in the Bachmann Publick House, 169 Northampton St., Easton. It features artifacts, educational resources and more.

One of the big pushes for this group is the preservation and continuation of its native language. It offers online Lenape language classes.

The website also features upcoming events, such as the Native American Festival, planned for noon-4 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Lodge at Masthope, 196 Karl Hope Blvd., Lackawaxen.

See lenape-nation.org for more information about the history and culture of our indigenous neighbors.

Lehigh Valley Passport to History hosts a monthly virtual history series. These 30-minute episodes focus on different themes and feature a discussion. The September video highlights Native American history. View it on YouTube at youtube.com/watch?v=pHoryq5XkKg.

There are a number of resources available online to learn more about Native American history, culture, traditions and more. Take some time to learn a bit more about those who cared for and loved this land before our ancestors came. We owe them a lot.

Samantha Anderson

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press