Native American Heritage Month

As Thanksgiving approaches, this is a fitting November diversity celebration. Native American Heritage Month celebrates the culture and heritage of native people who enrich this country. You can make this month more personal to your region by researching native tribes living near you, and exploring their rich culture.

November 1 – 2: All Saints Day/All Souls Day/Día de los Muertos

This is a Christian holiday commemorating all people who have passed. It is often celebrated in the Mexican and Aztec communities. Have a traditional Dia de los Muertos lunch in the office with chicken tamales, candied pumpkin, Oaxacan hot chocolate, and day of the dead cookies. If appropriate, employees can share about a loved one they’re thinking about on the day.

November 16: International Day for Tolerance

The UN founded this day to promote respect for diverse languages, ethnicities, cultures and religions. Education is a key component of tolerance. Acknowledge this day and send out a short sheet reviewing unconscious biases to help inform your staff.

November 16: Dutch American Heritage Day

Did you know the Netherlands was one of the first countries to recognize the U.S. as sovereign from Great Britain? This November multicultural celebration honors the friendship between the countries for hundreds of years. Presidents Martin Van Buren, Warren G. Harding, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt have all been important Dutch figures in American history.

November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance

Dozens of transgender people are killed each year due to transphobia. This November diversity day seeks to remember them. On this day, you can demonstrate your support for transgender individuals who are still living. Strive to practice active allyship each day and always use the correct language to refer to this community. 

November 24: Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is important because it’s a positive and secular holiday where we celebrate gratitude. It’s also a celebration of the fall harvest. Historically, Thanksgiving has been an annual holiday observed in both the United States and Canada. Although it’s celebrated on different dates in the two countries, the reason behind this day is the same—honoring the harvest and other blessings that have occurred during the previous year. The celebration began with the Pilgrims, who in 1621 called it their “First Thanksgiving.”

In the United States, Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday in November; therefore, the date changes every year. We can thank President Abraham Lincoln for not only abolishing slavery but also for declaring Thanksgiving a federal holiday back in 1863.

Thanksgiving reflects a sense of interconnectedness among people and cultures. It’s a holiday that’s perfect for gathering with loved ones and expressing gratitude for our blessings.

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