The National Native American Heritage Day Act was signed into law in 2008 to “honor the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States.” This national day of recognition is now an annual observance.
The Friday after Thanksgiving, which, this year, falls on November 24, is perhaps more commonly thought of as Black Friday, a coincidence that some have rebuked, as it links a reverent celebration of Native peoples and culture with the start of the holiday shopping season and the busiest, most consumer-driven day of the year. Some have suggested alternatives to the rampant consumerism of the day: acknowledge native land, explore the many digital exhibits available online at the National Museum of the American Indian, or lift up indigenous voices by learning more about the continuing struggle to give Native Americans equal access at the ballot box. Review the links provided below.
Don’t forget that Monday, November 27, marks the beginning of early voting in Harris County. On the ballot for the December 9th runoff election are candidates for the city’s next mayor, as well as contenders for City Controller and several City Council seats. For information about who’s on the ticket, and to locate polling places throughout the County, please visit HarrisVotes.com.
Further Reading
Voting Rights for Native Americans - Library of Congress
Native American Voting Rights - Native American Rights Fund
How Voter Suppression Laws Target Native Americans - Brennan Center for Justice
American Indian Voting - American Civil Liberties Union
How the Native American Vote Continues to Be Suppressed - American Bar Association
Voting for All Americans: Native Americans - National Conference of State Legislatures
Native Voting Rights and Civic Participation - National Congress of American Indians (The Sentinel podcast)