November is Native American Heritage Month, an opportunity to recognize the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples.

While this month provides an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous communities, it is also important to understand their historical and continued connection to the places where we live, work, and learn.

An Opportunity to Learn: Whose Land Are We On?

Land acknowledgments recognize the Indigenous peoples who originally inhabited and maintained relationships with the land on which we live and work. They provide an opportunity to acknowledge the history of displacement and colonization while recognizing that Indigenous communities and cultures continue to exist and contribute to our communities today.

Here are two resources to explore:

• Native Land Digital – An interactive map where you can enter your location to learn about the Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages associated with your community.
• University of Pittsburgh: Land Acknowledgment – A local resource highlighting the Indigenous peoples historically connected to the Pittsburgh region.

I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to explore these resources and learn more about the Indigenous history of their own communities.

Recognizing Native American Heritage Month is not only about understanding the past, but also acknowledging the continued presence, experiences, and contributions of Indigenous peoples today.