November is Native American Heritage Month

What is Native American Heritage Month? 
 

Montana Swimming is proud to recognize our Native American athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and families this month.

The month of November is known as Native American Heritage Month or Indigenous Peoples Month. The purpose of this month is to focus national attention to Indigenous communities across the United States to recognize their history and significant contributions to the founding and growth of the United States. This celebratory month began as one specific day at the turn of the 20th century, but after numerous attempts to the United States Congress, it was officially declared a celebratory month by the United States Federal Government and President George H. Bush in 1994. Prior to this declaration, several states had implemented a “First Americans Day” celebratory day to recognize these communities. 

Currently, USA Swimming’s membership is comprised of less than 1% of American Indian and Alaska Native identifying individuals*. This presents a unique opportunity for USA Swimming, in conjunction with the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) program, to help educate, include, and honor those current and potential members. It is through programs such as the Community Impact Grants that USA Swimming can make a large impact to increase access to water and uplift swim programs within this community.  The Montana Swimming Reach Out grant program also awards funds to Montana Swimming teams to reach out to underserved populations to encourage them to learn to swim and compete.

How Can You Help USA Swimming Honor/Support Native American Heritage Month? 
Educate: 
One of the best ways to help celebrate and support Native American Heritage Month is to become more educated on different cultures and issues within Indigenous communities. Books and documentaries, specifically from Indigenous writers and filmmakers, are a great way to learn more about the Indigenous communities that are in your local community. 

Support a cause: 
Learning about different challenges, issues and barriers that face Indigenous communities can help you become more informed with knowledge and how to support these communities around you. Indigenous communities across the United States face countless social, political, economic challenges and hardships to their communities. Learning these challenges and spreading awareness and understanding is one way you can show support during Native American Heritage Month. 

Support small businesses: 
Supporting a locally owned small business is always good for the local community. During this celebratory month, find a local owned and sourced business owned by those within Indigenous communities. Support a locally owned Indigenous restaurant, craft maker, artist or any other business in your community!

O'Shay Birdinground, former Montana Swimming athlete and coach, at the Univeristy fo Montana