November is important to the Oneidas for a number of reasons:
• It’s the month in which we honor our Veterans.
• It’s the anniversary of two very important treaties, the Line of Property Treaty (1768) and the Treaty of Canandaigua (1794).
• It’s the month in which the United States pauses to recognize the contributions of American Indians.

What began as a turn-of-the-century effort to gain a day of recognition for American Indians has blossomed into a month-long celebration.

This year, the theme for the month is “Celebrating Tribal Nations: America’s Great Partners.”

“This theme gives a sense of unity,” said Roberta Chapman (Turtle Clan), explaining that the theme brings to mind significant Oneida contributions, including serving as the fledgling country’s first allies during the Revolutionary War.

“I feel that this recognition is a great way to celebrate our heritage and also is a great way for the outside community to learn more about Native Americans,” she added. “I feel it (this designation) will get wonderful responses from our youth, as well as the adults.”

Helen Jones (Turtle Clan) echoed Roberta’s thoughts. “I think naming November Native American month was a very good idea,” Helen said. “There are a lot of programs, speakers and events in the area and the schools. It’s a good thing because a lot of people don’t know about us.”

Facts About American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
Source: Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior

• Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y., persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the “First Americans.”

• The annual Congress of the American Indian Association formally approved a plan concerning American Indian Day in 1915. The association’s president, Rev. Sherman Coolidge, Arapahoe, called upon the country to observe such a day on the second Saturday of each May. The plan was the first formal appeal for recognition of Indians as citizens.

• Red Fox James, Blackfoot, rode horseback from state to state seeking approval for a day to honor Indians. On Dec. 14, 1915, he presented the endorsements of 24 states to the White House (there is no record of a national day being proclaimed).

• The first American Indian Day was declared on the second Saturday in May, 1916, in New York. Several states celebrate the fourth Friday in September.

• In Illinois, legislators enacted an American Indian Day in 1919.

• In 1990, President George H.W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November as Native American Indian Heritage Month.

• Each year since 1994, similar proclamations under variants of the name have been issued by the president.

See also: A special message from the director of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, Kevin Gover.