Ideas for Celebrating Native American Heritage Day
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The primary purpose of Native American Heritage Day is to celebrate Native persons and leaders who have contributed to our American society. Since no names are specifically mentioned, most of us will need a little help getting started.
If you are a reader, great! We have a reading list for you! But don’t give up on the holiday just because you’re not a reader… we’ve also got some other great suggestions for celebrating the day!
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Attend Local Native Events
Consider allowing Black Friday (Christmas kick-off) to become Black Saturday instead, and join with others in attending Native American events held in your area. You can visit the 500Nations.com website to see if there are any events on the calendar near you, or you can check your state’s events calendars online, or visit your local tourist center.
Courtesy PublicDomainPicture.net. Photo by Michele Walters.
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Burn Incense / Smudge (Native prayer)
Most Native groups that we are familiar with at 3 Sun, do practice “smudging” as a form of prayer, or as a preparation for prayer (as it is used to calm and clear the mind). Many cultures and religions have used incense as a symbol of prayer, so it is foreseeable that this activity could find widespread acceptance as a Native American Heritage Day tradition.
Smudging typically utilizes aromatic sagebrush bundles for burning, and a seashell or earthen bowl to burn the bundles in. Supplies can be purchased through Native sellers online and off, or through eBay.
Our loose interpretation of Native-style smudging is done by first lighting a sagebrush bundle (also called a “wand”), and immediately blowing out the fire to achieve smoke. The smoking bundle is then set down inside the bowl, which is set before you, and you use your hands to waft the smoke over you. You may then offer up prayers privately or aloud. Naturally we recommend prayers of blessing for our Native Peoples on this day.
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Gifts of Hides and Feathers (Hunting Season)
We at 3 Sun have been informed that in some Native circles there is great interest in making cultural items, but the money to buy the hides, feathers, and other traditional materials is hard to come by. Therein lies a wonderful opportunity for seasonal hunters to offer gifts of useful hides and feathers. Hides should be nicely fleshed (so they’re not rotting), and have no holes, if at all possible.
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Recommended Reading List
Black Elk Speaks
Black Kettle: The Cheyenne Chief Who Sought Peace but Found War
Famous Indians: A Collection of Short Biographies
The Long Death: The Last Days of the Plains Indians
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