November is Native American Heritage Month

Larry Snead

As a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, I hope you are aware that November is Native American Heritage Month.

Facts you may not know:

On June 2, 1924, Congress enacted the Indian Citizenship Act, which granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the U.S. The right to vote, however, was governed by state law; until 1957, some states barred Native Americans from voting.

Native Americans weren't guaranteed the right to vote in every state until 1962.

In Oklahoma, Native American Tribes contributed $12.9 billion dollars to Oklahoma's economy in 2017, the most recent released numbers.

I exist because my ancestors survived the Trail of Tears forced removal.

We are here and are an economic force in the US.

Elizabeth Perron

Thank you for sharing these facts and starting this conversation. Oklahoma is on my travel bucket list and hearing about your Choctaw Nation's representation in Oklahoma makes me even more excited to visit.

I spent time on the Gallap New Mexico Navajo Reservation in the 90's. I learned so much from their culture that I still use to this day.

The trail of tears is a heart wrenching experience that I will work towards it never happen again.

One small way my husband, kids and I try to contribute to lifting up our fellow Native Americans is to hold a carnival in our backyard, during Native American Heritage Month. We integrate Native American posters and crafts to expose our fellow Charlestonian friends to the rich culture. We donate the money to the Native American College Fund and Blackbaud matches our donation.

How do others join in to celebrate during Native American Heritage Month?