While the national observance of Native American Heritage Month officially began in the 1990s, the roots of this recognition extend back to the early 1900s. According to The Library of Congress, November was formally designated as “National Native American Heritage Month” following a federal joint resolution by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. Prior to that, several states, including New York and Illinois, acknowledged the important contributions of Native Americans. In 2022, President Joe Biden reaffirmed this recognition with a proclamation on National Native American Heritage Month.
Closer to home, the Central Coast of California is steeped in Native American heritage. Monterey County and the surrounding areas are the ancestral homelands of the Ohlone, Esselen, and Salinan peoples, who have lived here for thousands of years.
These tribes have rich cultural traditions, a deep connection to the land, and continue to play a vital role in the region today. Many place names in Monterey County, like Pajaro and Carmel, have roots in the languages and histories of these Native communities.
In addition to November’s heritage celebrations, Indigenous Peoples' Day is also observed nationwide on the second Monday in October, honoring the legacy, resilience, and ongoing contributions of Native peoples.
To learn more about Native American Heritage Month and the history behind this important recognition, visit NativeAmericanHeritageMonth.gov.