Features

Honoring Indigenous voices through reflection and action

Avery Quake, Co-Managing Editor, Head of Content • November 3, 2025

Native American Heritage Month celebrates the history and cultural contributions of Indigenous peoples.

Each November, communities across the United States (US) honor the cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Native American Heritage Month, from November 1 to November 30, celebrates the traditions, languages, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities to ensure that people preserve and respect their legacies, according to bia.gov. The month serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples across the country. Additionally, it acknowledges the historical trauma that the Federal Indian Boarding Schools caused while highlighting current efforts toward healing and education.

Indigenous peoples have long histories of rich culture and religion. Avery Quake ’26

In 1990, former President George H.W. Bush nationally recognized Native American Heritage Month by signing a joint resolution designating November as “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Since then, every US president has issued similar proclamations annually under various names, including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month,” according to ala.org. Now, the US Department of the Interior partners with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Smithsonian Institution to share the lasting impact of Native American history. These organizations aim to promote public understanding through exhibitions and educational programs, according to senate.gov.

At Sacred Heart Greenwich, November offers a time for meaningful reflection on the school’s connection to the campus’ land and the Native tribes that resided on it. The school’s land acknowledgement statement, created by the Committee on Community and Belonging, expresses recognition and gratitude for Indigenous peoples. Mrs. Christine Gerrity, Co-Director of College Counseling, played a central role in writing and finalizing the statement during recent years. She described how the project began and why it remains important to her.

“The land acknowledgement statement started out as a passion project,” Mrs. Gerrity said. “This month, one of the centering goals for the Committee on Community and Belonging is to observe Native American History Month. Right after [COVID-19], my work on the land acknowledgement began. I had always been very interested in the Native condition and the overall story in America. Their story predates our story, as our Indigenous ancestors predate civilization.”

For Mrs. Gerrity, the process of developing the land acknowledgement was both personal and educational. She explained that her experiences traveling through Native reservations and studying Native history deepened her understanding of the importance of respect and recognition.

Various universities and corporations release land acknowledgement statements. Avery Quake ’26

“To create an effective land acknowledgement, you have to first become highly educated about what the Indigenous experience [was], and why respecting this is crucial to moving forward,” Mrs. Gerrity said. “Once you start looking for them, you will find other statements everywhere, in higher education, corporations, civic organizations, [and] even professional sports teams. These all signal a larger appreciation for those that came before and are still here. In honoring the past, you are speaking to the present and projecting toward the future.”

This month, Sacred Heart’s Committee on Community and Belonging is leading several initiatives to honor Native American Heritage Month. The school plans to host community discussions and presentations to raise awareness about Indigenous history and its ongoing relevance. The Diversity Club looks forward to hosting a luncheon focused on celebrating Native culture. Additionally, Sacred Heart continues its partnership with the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, where students and faculty have built a longstanding connection through service and solidarity, including through a summer 2025 service trip. Through reflection, dialogue, and education, the community continues to weave together its own past, present, and future, grounded in respect for the people and cultures who came before. Mrs. Gerrity commented on the significance of recognizing this heritage month.

“We are calling attention to the Native American condition,” Mrs. Gerrity said. “Our committee is hoping to stage discussions to raise awareness that these conditions are ongoing. We must remember that we are all sharing land and find ways to honor Indigenous peoples authentically and effectively.”

Featured Image by Avery Quake ’26

About the Contributor

Avery Quake, Co-Managing Editor, Head of Content

Avery is thrilled to return to the King Street Chronicle as co-managing editor and head of content in her last year at Sacred Heart Greenwich. She is very excited to implement the journalistic skills she has gained the last two years, and is eager to pass on that knowledge to the new staff writers. Outside of the newsroom, Avery leads the yearbook, is co-head of the Neighbor to Neighbor club, and also is on the sailing team.