Honoring Native American Heritage Month at the Y

November is Native American Heritage Month and the YMCA of Metro Chicagowants to take this opportunity to uplift the culture and history through the voices and stories of Native American individuals and communities themselves. We’re going to explore how we can learn more as a community through four steps – LEARN, REFLECT, CONNECT and ACTIVATE. 

Learn 
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the Y encourages our community to LEARN about the contributions, achievements and struggles of Native Americans through their own words. Visit nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov for resources featuring the work and viewpoints of Native American individuals and communities.

Reflect 
The Y encourages you to take the opportunity to REFLECT during Native American Heritage Month. What do you think of when you hear the term “Native American?” Many traditional stereotypes and biases are unknowingly hurtful, disrespectful and inaccurate. Take the first step by recognizing and reflecting. Then visit siouxymca.org/resources for videos and resources by Native American individuals and communities on this topic. 

Connect
During Native American Heritage Month, the Y invites you to take the opportunity to CONNECT with Native American individuals and communities across Chicagoland and the Midwest.

Discover Native and Indigenous communities living in your local area and explore ways you can connect, learn and support. Visit native-land.ca for more info. 

Activate 
The Y encourages you to ACTIVATE your commitment to diversity and inclusion in our communities by supporting Native American authors, artists and business owners during Native American Heritage Month. Pick up a new book penned by a Native American author or take the entire family out to a Native American-owned shop, restaurant or art gallery – ask questions and get your children involved!