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About
It was in Presidential Proclamation 6230 that George H.W. Bush paid tribute to the rich history and culture of the American Indian tribes. Each year since 1990 the president has proclaimed November the designated National Native American Heritage Month. Congress chose the month of November because this is generally the end of the traditional harvest season and a time of celebration. It is also a time for all American people to honor the achievements of indigenous communities and celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions these peoples contribute to our collective history. In addition, November is a time to raise awareness about the challenges native people have faced in the past as well as in the present and how they have worked to conquer these challenges. Origins
The origins of Native American Heritage Month can be traced back to the early 20th century, specifically to the efforts of Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca archaeologist and historian, who advocated for a day to honor Native Americans, leading to New York State becoming the first to recognize "American Indian Day" in 1916; eventually, President George H.W. Bush officially designated November as "National American Indian Heritage Month" in 1990, solidifying the month-long recognition that exists today. Sources/Additional Information
Image Credits The Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor |
November
After the melting of the glacier, when the Unkechaugs migrated to Long Island, the region flourished with marine life, including clams, oysters, crabs, sturgeon, and fish species such as striped bass. Freshwater creeks, salt meadows, and shallow bays on the south shore provided rich habitats for wildlife. Their geographic region provided easy access to fish, shellfish, waterfowl, and land and sea mammals. The current Unkechaug Reservation reflects this ancient preference, situated on Poospatuck Creek, a freshwater stream on Mastic Neck flowing into the Forge River.
The economic value of oil and baleen from drift whale carcasses led the English to form shore whaling companies on Long Island. Instead of waiting for whales to beach themselves, these companies combined Indigenous knowledge with English investment, to hunt whales in shallow coastal waters. The northern right whale was a prime target due to its slow swimming and surface feeding habits, which made it easier to hunt. Beginning around 1650, English companies in Southampton and East Hampton hired skilled Shinnecock and Montaukett whalers. The hunts required courage and skill, as whalers had to get close to the whale and drive harpoons deep into its body. During the first decades of the whaling industry (1650–1670), Indigenous whalers were paid very little for their labor. In 1670, for instance, a three-year contract offered only basic provisions such as coats, stockings, corn, etc rather than actual wages. The Unkechaugs resisted unfair labor contracts and demanded better compensation, even attempting to form their own independent whaling company in 1676. Governor Edmund Andros granted the Unkechaug permission to whale and sell their products freely. Though they never established an independent company, the threat of competition may have influenced later agreements, which gave Native whalers a share of the profits. By the late 1670s, several Unkechaug whalers had joined English companies. For example, a young Unkechaug named Worison signed a contract in 1676 with Southampton whalers, agreeing to hunt, butcher, and process whale oil and baleen, sharing in the profits. Unkechaug whalers remained crucial to shore whaling operations until the mid-18th century. However, the near extinction of right whales forced whaling to move farther offshore, to target sperm whales in the Arctic and Southern Atlantic. The 1755 will of Nicoll Floyd granted whaling equipment to his Unkechaug servants, showing that some whale hunting persisted, but it was no longer a major economic activity. Many indigenous whalers adapted by going to sea, while others sought new employment within the English economy. |
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Asian American & Pacific Islander Month
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Native American Heritage Month
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