Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by Supporting Native American-Owned Businesses

Native American Heritage Month, also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, is celebrated in the United States in the month of November. It is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

The history of Native American Heritage Month dates back to 1916, when New York became the first state to recognize "American Indian Day." In 1976, the United States Congress authorised President Gerald Ford to proclaim October 10-16, 1976, as "Native American Awareness Week." In 1986, Congress passed a joint resolution designating the week of November 23-30 as "American Indian Week." In 1990, Congress passed a joint resolution designating the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month.

There are many ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Some people attend powwows or other traditional cultural events. Others visit Native American museums or historical sites. Some people learn about Native American history and culture by reading books, watching documentaries, or taking classes. Still others support Native American-owned businesses or donate to Native American charities.

Here are some specific ideas for celebrating Native American Heritage Month:

• Learn about the history and culture of the Native American tribes in your area.

• Visit a Native American museum or historical site.

• Attend a powwow or other traditional cultural event.

• Support Native American-owned businesses.

• Donate to a Native American charity.

• Read books and articles about Native American history and culture.

• Watch documentaries and films about Native American people.

• Take a class or workshop about Native American culture or history.

• Talk to your friends and family about the importance of Native American Heritage Month.

It is important to celebrate Native American Heritage Month because it is a time to honour the contributions and resilience of Native American people. It is also a time to learn about the challenges that Native American people face today and to work towards a more equitable and just future for all Americans.

Leverage this holiday to grow your business

Business leaders and entrepreneurs can leverage Native American Heritage Month to market and grow their businesses in a number of ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Educate your customers about Native American culture and history. This can be done through blog posts, social media posts, email marketing, or even in-store or online events. By educating your customers, you can show them that you are committed to diversity and inclusion, and that you value the contributions of Native American people.

• Partner with Native American-owned businesses. This is a great way to support the Native American community and to promote your own business at the same time. You can partner with Native American-owned businesses to offer discounts, co-host events, or cross-promote each other's products and services.

• Donate to Native American charities. This is another great way to show your support for the Native American community. You can donate to charities that support Native American education, healthcare, economic development, or cultural preservation.

• Offer special discounts or promotions to Native American customers. This is a way to show your appreciation for their business and to give back to the community.

• Host Native American-themed events. This could include powwows, cultural demonstrations, or educational workshops. Hosting Native American-themed events is a great way to learn more about the culture and to share it with your customers.

It is important to note that when marketing your business during Native American Heritage Month, you should be respectful and authentic. Avoid using stereotypes or clichés, and make sure that your marketing materials are accurate and informative. You should also consult with Native American people to get their feedback on your marketing plans.

Here are some examples of businesses that have successfully leveraged Native American Heritage Month to market and grow their businesses:

• Nike: In 2019, Nike released a limited-edition collection of sneakers inspired by Native American culture. The collection featured designs created by Native American artists, and a portion of the proceeds were donated to Native American charities.

• The North Face: In 2020, The North Face launched a campaign called "Explore More." The campaign featured Native American athletes and storytellers, and it highlighted the importance of protecting Native American lands and cultures.

• Ben & Jerry's: In 2021, Ben & Jerry's released a new ice cream flavour called "Save Our Swirled." The flavour was inspired by the work of Native American activists who are fighting to protect their lands and waters from climate change. A portion of the proceeds from the flavour were donated to Native American environmental organisations.

These are just a few examples of how business leaders and entrepreneurs can leverage Native American Heritage Month to market and grow their businesses. By being respectful, authentic, and supportive, businesses can show their commitment to diversity and inclusion, and they can build stronger relationships with Native American customers and communities.

How can The Industry Leader help?

Here are some ways we're celebrating the holidays this month:

30% off all services from The Industry Leader for Native American-owned and Family-owned businesses. Ends on Friday, December 01st at 11:59 PM EST.

Supporting Native American-Owned Businesses: A Win-Win for Everyone

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