Christopher Columbus used the term because he was convinced he had arrived in “the Indies” (Asia), his intended destination. They were referred to as “Indians.” They were given immeasurable pains and were also removed from their land by the government. The Native Americans had to suffer and learn how to survive.

Native American Heritage Month is the month of November and is celebrated all over North America.

“The Native American Heritage Month is where we celebrate our ancestry, our tribal heritage and who we are as people,” Jacob Barajas, a student at LTHS and a part of the Navajo tribe, said.

This is an important part of American history.

“I think it’s very important that this month is celebrated considering all the history and all the terrible things Native Americans had to suffer… especially since not a lot of Native American things are talked about,” Barajas said. 

Barajas explains the significance of this month.

“It is of significance to me because it helps me celebrate my ancestry and how my tribe was a key factor in the US winning World War II,” Barajas said.

Most people have heard of the famous Navajo code talkers who used their traditional language to transmit secret allied messages in the Pacific theater of combat during World War II. Barajas’s tribe had to learn to survive.

“My heritage is more of a farming people,” Barajas said. “My tribe’s homeland was originally in the Dallas, North Texas area, but then we got moved out to the four corner desert regions by the US government so we had to adapt and evolve and basically learn how to survive more.”

According to Kelsey Kuberski, a history teacher, it is important to teach Native American cultures.

“Being a history teacher it’s incredibly significant just to teach about the past,” Kuberski said. “That’s what I do trying to teach the facts of those people who’ve come before us. And especially being American, they were here prior to any of the Europeans. It’s important that I teach their culture.”

Kuberski talks about what she wants her students to learn about Native Americans.

“I hope that they learn more about the rich and diverse cultures of the people who were there long before the pilgrims came,” Kuberski said.

Kuberski shares her opinions on celebrating this month.

“I think it’s a great way to spend November which has traditionally been more focused on Thanksgiving which takes kind of a western idea,” Kuberski said. “In the past, the indigenous have been kinda overlooked and I think celebrating the month now as NAHM or indigenous people month gives them the overdue credit that they need.”

This month has a great impact on everyone.

“New Mexico is very rich in Native American History and culture,” Kuberski said. “And I was very lucky to be able to attend my undergrad in New Mexico and learn more about just the individuals and again their deep rooted cultures that have helped create the America that we know and love today.”

This month is important to everyone, who teaches it, lives it and is in North America.