National Native American Heritage Month

National Native American Heritage Month is recognized in November to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native America, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and affiliated island communities to ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive generation to generation.

The observation began in 1990 after President George Bush approved a joint resolution designating November “National American Indian Heritage Month.”

Facts About Native American Heritage Month

1916- New York became first state to declare “American Indian Day”

1976- President Gerald Ford proclaimed Oct 10-16, “Native American Awareness Week”

1986- Congress passed resolution designating Nov 23-30, “American Indian Week”

1990- Congress passed and President George Bush signed into law, November “National American Indian Month”

2008- Language was amended to also include the contributions of Alaskan Natives.

Native American History Through Ethnic Studies

The Ethnic Studies course is offered at four district high schools: Artesia, Cerritos, Gahr and Whitney High Schools. The course is an interdisciplinary field that explores identity, ethnicity, race, and connectedness. It centers the experiences and stories of people of color, allowing students to explore their own and others' cultures. Importantly, the Ethnic Studies course fosters a more inclusive and understanding school environment

Student Learner Profile: Reflections on Native American Heritage through Ethnic Studies

Josue Villalpando, 11th grade, Gahr High School

Leila Coreas, 11th grade, Gahr High School

The Gabrieleno/Tongva Trail at the Fedde Sports Complex

The land at Fedde Middle School, and across the ABCUSD, was once the home of native Americans identified as The Gabrielenos. Over 2,000 years ago, in the pre-colonial era, they populated much of present-day Los Angeles and Orange counties. More than 5,000 Gabrielenos lived in about 100 settlements. Their territory stretched from the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, over the sea to the Channel Islands to the south, beyond the City of San Monica to the west, and past the Santa Ana River to the east. The lives of the Gabrieleno were nurtured by using the land, the sea, the plants, and the animals that surrounded them. The Gabrieleno culture rapidly declined after they were forced to submit to the control of the Mission San Gabriel Archangel, founded in 1771.

Today the name Gabrieleno is used to describe the native Americans who lived in this are for thousands of years. That name comes from the incorporation of the Indians of this area into the Mission San Gabriel. Likewise, Indians in other areas of California are designated by their association with the missions that were established in their ancestral homelands.

Click to Watch Video: Native American Relics Found at Fedde Sports Complex Site

For more information visit: https://gabrielinotongva.org/

Map of Gabrielino Tongva Villages in Southern California

Board Presentations & Resources for National Native American History Month