Honoring Native American Heritage Month at the Y

November is Native American Heritage Month, and the Greater Scranton YMCA wants to take this opportunity to uplift the culture and history through the voices and stories of Native American individuals and communities themselves. We’re going to explore how we can learn more as a community through four steps – LEARN, REFLECT, CONNECT and ACTIVATE.

Learn

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the Greater Scranton YMCA encourages our community to LEARN about the contributions of Native Americans through their own words. “We’re still here.” Learn about the issues that are important to Native Americans from Native Americans at ictnews.org.

Reflect

The Greater Scranton YMCA encourages you to take the opportunity to REFLECT during Native American Heritage Month. What do you think of when you hear the term “Native American?” Many traditional stereotypes are unknowingly hurtful, disrespectful and inaccurate. Visit the YMCA Archives at https://bit.ly/4lXaRIQ and reflect on the history of Native Americans within the YMCA.

Connect

During Native American Heritage Month, the Greater Scranton YMCA invites you to take the opportunity to CONNECT with Native American individuals and communities in the greater Scranton region.

Visit native-land.ca to learn about the Native and Indigenous communities in your local area, discover whose land you may be living on and find out who you can connect with to explore more.

Engage

The Greater Scranton YMCA encourages you to ENGAGE in Native American Heritage Month by supporting Native American authors, artists and business owners in our community. Pick up a new book penned by a Native American author or take the entire family out to a Native American-owned shop, restaurant or art gallery – ask questions and get the entire family involved! Visit https://www.doi.gov/iacb/source-directory-arts-and-crafts-businesses to learn more – but please be mindful when exploring and make sure you’re only buying from authentic Native American businesses.

Support

Support Native American and Indigenous authors this month! Find out more about Indigenous -owned bookstores here and find your next read by visiting any of the links below:

· Must-Read Books by Indigenous Authors | Penguin Random House

· Native American / Indigenous – Books That Matter – LibGuides at University of Arizona

· Books by Indigenous and First Nations Creators for Adults | Wild Rumpus Books.