Native American Heritage Month Celebrated Virtually In HoCo

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Howard County Office of Human Rights, in partnership with local business Nava Be Diné, is honoring Native American Heritage Month with a month-long, virtual celebration recognizing the culture, traditions and history of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Last month, the county observed its first Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which will now be recognized in place of Columbus Day.

"Howard County is a place where every resident deserves to feel included, represented, and valued," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball in a statement. "Native American culture is embedded in our nomenclature and our geography. As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month this November, I invite you to embrace this wonderful opportunity to learn more about the people who lived on this land before us and their contributions to our community, state and nation."

Geared toward residents of all ages and backgrounds, NAMH events scheduled throughout the month of November will include learning how to hoop dance and cook Navajo fry bread and Mohawk Akwesasne corn soup, storytelling and more. The month-long celebration will conclude Nov. 30 with a “We Are Still Here” panel discussion, featuring Native American equity workers, artists and community leaders conversing about Native American cultural resilience, civil rights and the survival of Indigenous communities. For a complete NAMH schedule of events, visit https://tinyurl.com/HOCONAMH.

“I have been looking forward to celebrating Native American Heritage Month since County Executive Ball’s recent announcement of the observance of Indigenous People’s Day,” said Howard County Office of Human Rights Administrator Yolanda F. Sonnier. “The Office of Human Rights is proud to partner with local Native American activists, artists, businesses and residents to present a series of events that recognize and affirm the legacy and contributions of Native Americans.”

“NAHM provides the chance to explore and experience cultures that are indigenous to this land we call the United States of America,” added Ani Begay Auld of Nava Be Diné. “Five hundred seventy-four federally recognized tribes strong, we each come with our own languages and traditions to share.”