Jeff Smith - Celebrating Our Native American Heritage

November is Native American Heritage Month. It’s a time to celebrate the vibrant cultures, invaluable contributions and rich histories of Native communities in our country. This month reminds us to confront our nation’s complex past, celebrate the resilience of Indigenous peoples and commit to addressing the systemic issues in our society today. We each have a role in honoring and amplifying Native voices, and this month provides us with an opportunity to do just that.

I feel a great sense of admiration for the strength, pride and persistence within Native communities. For generations, Native Americans have held onto their cultural identities despite tremendous adversity. From preserving languages and traditions to revitalizing cultural practices, Native communities are actively reclaiming their heritage and future. I’ve seen Native youth proudly wearing traditional attire like ribbon skirts and beaded earrings, celebrating their cultures and sharing their stories. This visibility is powerful, reminding all of us that Native culture isn’t a relic of the past, but a vibrant contribution to our present and future.

Native American Heritage Month also highlights the urgent challenges facing Native communities. Native women, for instance, experience violence at disproportionate rates, with over half facing sexual violence in their lifetimes, mostly committed by non-Natives. In response, federal legislation like the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), aims to address this epidemic, but sadly, this bill is still stalled in the United States Senate.

I am honored to serve on the Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations which is tasked with investigating, and proposing, new legislation for the upcoming legislative session that impacts native communities across Wisconsin. Our next meeting is scheduled for today, and I hope meaningful reforms will be proposed in earnest in the next legislative session as a result of this committee’s work.

We also owe a debt of gratitude to Native veterans who, despite centuries of mistreatment, have served in the U.S. military at historically high rates. Native Americans have a proud legacy of service, defending the very nation that once marginalized them. Supporting organizations that assist Native veterans, such as those focused on addressing homelessness and healthcare, is one way we can honor their sacrifices.

As Native American Heritage Month should be a recognition to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into our daily lives and decision-making processes, let’s honor our first nations by learning about Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized tribes, educating others, celebrating traditions and acknowledging the past. You can visit www.wisconsinfirstnations.org to learn more about resources that are available, and ways you can help educate others about our state’s tribal heritage.

This November, let us celebrate and uplift Native communities, confront historical injustices, and commit ourselves to building a future that respects and protects Native cultures, lands and voices. Native Americans have contributed immeasurably to our society and it is only right that we strive to create a society that values and supports them in return. May Native American Heritage Month inspire us to keep listening, learning, and acting as allies for Native communities every day of the year.