National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month during November celebrates the enriching cultures and abundance of traditions. Alaska Native history overflows with a variety of diverse groups and prominent leaders.
For the month of November, take time to honor those who have come before; to raise awareness; to embrace cultural ties; and to educate the public about tribes and the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present.
November 2021 – This month, we celebrate being Indigenous.
I wanted to share with you what that means to me as a Yup’ik woman. I’m from St. Mary’s, and I’m a member of the Algaaciq Tribe. My dad was qass’aq from South Dakota (memory eternal Dad-Kelly Babich) and my mom was born in Cangiliak (memory eternal Mom-Vicki “Anaaraq” Benedict). My Grandparents were Evan “Nanuq” Benedict and Emily “Manutuli” Afcan and later he remarried Susie Benedict. I’m named after Susie’s parent “Qamgalrea”.
Resources for tribes:
Read a Alaska Native history book, or a novel that dives into the history and traditions of native people:
Music & Videos
Below are videos provided by PBS.org showing how uniting with language learning and cultural teachings is essential to positive youth development:
Books
Native Youth Olympics
Play, practice, improve your NYO game skills!
Help preserve your culture and strengthen the future of Alaskan youth through games. Take this 30-day November challenge to improve your agility, balance, and strength skills.
View beautiful free’ coloring pages by the following indigenous artists:
Embrace your heritage – how?
Share with us!
Social Media Activity
Throughout the month of November, highlight what it means to be an ‘Alaska Native’ and proudly share it on your social media page (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).
Hightlighting Your Story with RurAL CAP
RurAL CAP Media Release Form
Please review and sign the online RurAL CAP media release form before submitting your story, photo and/or video clips saying the words in your language. You are welcome to reflect on ‘what language revitalization mean to you’ in your success story.
The Resource Basket
This is a RurAL CAP affiliated program.