Native American Heritage Month: Building Community and Embracing Culture

Every November, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month. This is a time to honor Indigenous Peoples as the first caretakers of what is now called the Americas. These Indigenous groups, known as First Nations, Native Americans, and Alaska Natives, have helped shape the history and future of Oregon and the United States.

In Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS), Native American Heritage Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage of our students and staff. Nearly 1,800 students in SKPS identify as American Indian or Alaska Native.

Embracing Heritage and Culture

SKPS recognizes that Native Americans and Alaska Natives were the first students and teachers on this land, excelling in areas like farming, land and wildlife management, medicine, engineering, language, culture, and governance.

Annual American Indian Alaska Native Celebration

On November 2, 2024, SKPS held its annual American Indian Alaska Native Celebration. Organized by the district’s Native Education Program team, this event brought together students, families, and community members from different tribes to enjoy music, dancing, art, and being together.

This year’s celebration included a writing workshop for students presented by Native author Tiffany Stuart, a music performance by Native artist Nataanii Means, and resources from the Oregon Native American Education Foundation. The event was about building community, sharing culture, and honoring the rich heritage of our schools.

Culture is prevention. Culture is life. Culture is love.
Jessi Soliz, South Salem High School Junior
Klamath and Modoc

Essential Understandings of Native Americans in Oregon

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) worked with Oregon's nine federally recognized tribes to create the Nine Essential Understandings of Native Americans in Oregon, guided by Senate Bill 13 (2017). These help teachers bring important lessons into the classroom:

• Since Time Immemorial – Indigenous peoples have lived here for thousands of years.
• Sovereignty – Tribes are independent nations with their own governments.
• History – Native American history is deep and complex and has been impacted by colonization.
• Tribal Government – Tribal nations have unique governing systems and relationships with the U.S. government.
• Identity – Native American identities are diverse and multifaceted.
• Lifeways – Tribes continue to practice and protect their traditions, values, and stories.
• Language – Many tribal languages have survived efforts to erase them, connecting people to their ancestors and culture.
• Treaties with the United States – Treaties are legal agreements between tribes and the U.S., often signed under pressure.
• Genocide, Federal Policy, and Laws – U.S. policies targeted Native Americans through forced assimilation, leading to ongoing challenges for tribal communities.

Learn More About Tribal History/Shared History

Explore the Essential Understandings in a PDF hosted on the ODE website to better appreciate the history and culture of Native Americans in Oregon.