I would like to propose that this November we forego the usual Thanksgiving display in favor of a new exhibit centered around Native American Heritage Month. Not only will this offer a refreshing change to the typical Fall leaves, turkeys, and “thankful” displays, it will give our patrons a look into the unique heritage of the people who first settled our area.
Displays offer libraries unique opportunities to educate and encourage conversations within their communities. Because libraries are open, free, and common shared spaces, their displays and exhibits are the chance to broaden cultural literacy by offering patrons a glimpse at other cultures, ideas, and experiences than they would normally seek out on their own. It also presents the chance for patrons to follow up these thought-provoking visuals by having further information available on the subject.
Native Americans are an often overlooked group that many community members do not realize have a history here. Their part in our community’s history is an important one, one that is linked with our state’s success as a colony and our town’s establishment as a successful port. Even Highway 17 was once an Indian footpath and owes its creation to these early settlers.
Unfortunately, the Native Tribes do not share the benefits from us that we received from them.
Their story is still an important part of our own history. In more recent years, more and more people are acknowledging that Thanksgiving, as a historical holiday, is whitewashed. As kids, most American children are taught Thanksgiving through feasts and crafts depicting the Mayflower, Pilgrims, and Native American headdresses, none of which bare resemblance to the reality of the situation. "These inaccurate historical references are perpetrated each year, making the battle for equality and accurate representation an ongoing one for Native Americans in America." (Ritschel, 2019).
NAHM is an opportunity to bring forgotten people to the front and share their importance. It is also the perfect occasion to increase cultural literacy in patrons and staff and encourage thoughtful dialogue.
References
Bugos, Claire. (26 November 2019). Myths of the Thanksgiving Story and the Lasting Damage They Imbue. Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved on March 4, 2020 from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/thanksgiving-myth-and-what-we-should-be-teaching-kids-180973655/
Ritschel, Chelsea. (27 November 2019). Thanksgiving: Why Some Americans Don't Celebrate the Controversial Holiday. Independent. London, UK. Retrieved March 4, 2020 from https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/thanksgiving-dont-celebrate-native-americans-controversial-why-history-pilgrims-a8636201.html (Links to an external site.)
The Library of Congress. (n.a.). Native American Heritage Month. Retrieved on March 4, 2020 from https://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov (Links to an external site.)
National Congress of American Indians. Native American Heritage Month. NCAI. Retrieved on March 4, 2020 from http://www.ncai.org/initiatives/native-american-heritage-month
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