Professional Staff Organization

November 18, 2022

November is National Native American Heritage month

The PSO wishes to recognize November as National Native American Heritage month.

This language was developed by the Department of Chemistry, and they’ve graciously allowed us to share this with the professional staff community. The language has been lightly edited for this audience (eg, replacing “I” with “we”):

Native American Heritage month was passed by congress and signed into law in 1990. It recognizes the important contributions of our nation’s first people. Many communities and institutions celebrate the rich history and culture of American Indian and Alaska Native people throughout the year, and especially during this month. Do we?

There are 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington State and more, which are not yet federally recognized. In the United States, there are over 550 federally recognized tribes.

We must consider our part in working to heal relationships and honor the American Indian and Alaska Native communities. We encourage you to take a moment, on whatever land you sit on, to find ways of respecting and acknowledging the people whose land you are on. Click on the links below for a few resources to assist with learning more.