November is Native American Heritage Month, also commonly referred to as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, was conceived in 1990.
During this month we celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native people while also acknowledging their important contributions to the establishment and growth of the U.S. This month is also seen as a time to educate the public and raise awareness of Native peoples and the challenges they’ve faced throughout the years.
From honoring this month through traditional singing and dance, to educating yourself on the history of Native peoples through educational readings, here are different ways to celebrate and honor this month throughout NYC.
1. Attend the Harvest Dance Celebration at Queens County Farm Museum
Head to the Queens County Farm Museum for their Autumn Dance Celebration which showcases a variety of Native American dances performed by representatives of ten different Indian Nations. Learn about each dance’s origin and enjoy a Native American Craft & Food Market with authentic art, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and more. Tickets cost $17 and required to enter the performance and marketplace area. Get all the full details about the celebration here.
Where: Queens County Farm Museum (73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens)
When: November 3, 11 am – 4 pm (performance 2 – 3:45 pm w/ 15 minute intermission)
2. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at NYPL
Stop by one of NYPL’s various branches during Native American Heritage Month, where they’ll be hosting all kinds of events throughout the month! These free events include book clubs, arts and crafts, and much more…happening at different libraries throughout NYC. See the full list of scheduled NYPL events and plan your visit!
Where: Various NYPL branches
When: Throughout November
3. Learn about significant Native American locations in NYC
Join NYC Parks all November long to celebrate Native American history and culture with special history tours in New York City’s parks! Throughout the month on weekends, there will be speical hikes around the city…discussing all the past and present indigenous history that resides there. There’s set to be history tours in every borough, ranging from Pelham Bay Park to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. They’re totally free and hosted by Urban Park Rangers! See the full schedule of tours here.
Where: Various locations
When: Throughout November
4. Visit the National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex. It holds one of the world’s most expansive collections of Native artifacts, including objects, photographs, archives, and media. Throughout November they’ll be hosting several virtual and in-person events in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. Their full calendar of events can be seen here.
Where: 1 Bowling Green
5. Stroll through the Museum of Natural History’s Northwest Coast Hall
This specialized hall in the American Museum of Natural History showcases “the creativity, scholarship, and history of the living cultures of the Pacific Northwest,” featuring many exhibits developed with Indigenous communities from the Pacific Northwest Coast. The Hall is divided into a series of alcoves, featuring more than 1,000 “cultural treasures,” many with a 360° display view. Learn more about the hall here.
Where: 200 Central Park Museum
6. Explore the Art of Native America: The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection exhibition at The Met
This ongoing exhibition at The Met displays the brilliance of Native American artists from across the United States and Canada through historical and contemporary works. The work of more than fifty Indigenous groups is represented, as well as major Native American aesthetic forms: painting, drawing, sculpture, textiles, quill and bead embroidery, basketry, and ceramics.
The Met is also hosting plenty of Native American-themed events throughout the month, including story times, free walking tours, musical performances, and so much more! See the full list of The Met’s planned Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month programming.
Where: The Met Fifth Avenue – 746 South