Honoring Heritage, Celebrating Community: Native American Heritage Month Across BIE Schools

Each November, schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education celebrate Native American Heritage Month, honoring the rich traditions, diverse cultures, and lasting contributions of the communities served by the Bureau’s schools. Throughout the month, events and activities celebrating Native art, language, food, and military service provide BIE students with culturally meaningful experiences, fostering a comprehensive and community-focused educational environment. 

Celebrating Culture Through Food, Art, and Tradition 

At Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas, students enjoyed a culturally inspired menu in November. The dining hall featured bison burgers and wild salmon, honoring traditional foods from the Plains and Pacific Northwest. Grab-and-go bison jerky provided students with a flavorful snack between meals. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with students appreciating both the taste and the cultural significance of the offerings. 

In New Mexico, Navajo Preparatory School students traveled to Santa Fe Indian School to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The event, known as SFIS Feast Day, was filled with ceremony, community, and cultural pride. Students experienced firsthand the power of shared traditions and the strength of intertribal connections. 

Meanwhile, in Washington, students from Chief Leschi School participated in a hands-on cultural experience. During a field trip to the Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle, students helped carve a canoe alongside the Mayer Canoe Family as part of their cultural classes. This activity connected students to ancestral knowledge and the art of canoe-making, a tradition deeply rooted in many coastal Native communities. 

The Color Guard from Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Oklahoma, proudly represented their school and community by presenting the colors during the NBA Thunder game against the Sacramento Kings in downtown Oklahoma City. Their participation on such a large stage was a moment of pride and recognition for Native youth and Veterans alike.

At Takini School in Howes, South Dakota, students took part in a “Tipi Paslal Eglepi” (Tipi Set Up). They worked together to raise a traditional Lakota tipi, learning each step – from preparing the poles to lifting the structure – and the teachings about Lakota values, family, and community the tipi carries. The activity strengthened teamwork, sparked pride among students, and deepened their connection to their heritage and its preservation.

Honoring Veterans and Community Heroes 

Alongside Veterans Day on November 11, Native American Heritage Month is also a time to honor those who have served in the U.S. military. At Wingate Elementary School in Ft. Wingate, New Mexico, students organized a heartfelt Veterans Day celebration. Everyone participated in a parade featuring handmade banners and photos of veterans and active-duty military personnel. A U.S. Navy Veteran and respected community figure served as Grand Marshal, and the Casamero Lake Veterans opened the ceremony and posted the colors. 

Students performed the National Anthem and recited the Walk in Beauty prayer in Diné Bizaad (Navajo language), showcasing their language learning and cultural pride. The day concluded with a meal prepared and served by students for veterans and their families. 

At Chitimacha Tribal School in Jeanerette, Louisiana, sixth-grade students engaged in a meaningful field trip organized by their social studies teacher. As part of a unit on veterans, students researched individuals connected to their families or the Chitimacha Tribe. During a Walk to Honor Veterans, they visited the Chitimacha Mausoleum and the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Cemetery, where they placed flags and learned about the sacrifices of those who served. 

With support from community members and the Daughters of the American Revolution, students reflected on the importance of remembrance and service. They also visited the graves of past tribal leaders, deepening their understanding of their community’s history and legacy. 

Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon, held its annual Chemawa Veterans Powwow. It brought the community together in a vibrant celebration of culture and service. The event featured vendor booths, food, a bake sale, dancing, and beautiful regalia and drumming. During the festivities, Matthew was named Chemawa Ambassador 2025–26 — a proud moment for the school and community.

Meaningful Connections and Lasting Lessons 

From sharing traditional meals and preserving ancestral arts to honoring veterans and tribal leaders, students participate in experiences that deepen their understanding of identity and strengthen their bonds to their community. 

These activities embody the BIE’s commitment to comprehensive education that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. By honoring intergenerational contributions and making room for cultural expression, BIE schools are helping students develop into the next generation of confident, connected, and compassionate leaders.