Honoring Native Roots This November In Indiana

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Honoring Indiana’s Living Tribal Legacy

As November rolls in, so does Native American Heritage Month. Native Heritage Month is viewed as a time to celebrate, honor, and learn about the first peoples of this land and the vibrant cultures that continue to thrive today. Here in Indiana, that history still lives on and is active right now, with Native communities preserving traditions, reclaiming land, and building connections for future generations.

A Strong Native Presence Across the Hoosier State

Believe it or not, there are two tribes with active land holdings in Indiana today. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma still hold their history in Indiana. The Native presence here reaches far beyond those two. In fact, an estimated 25,000 tribal members from many different federally recognized tribes including Apache, Cherokee, Navajo, Comanche, and Lakota Sioux all call Indiana home.

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi: A Story of Return and Renewal

Let’s start with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. Their story is one of resilience and return. After being removed from their original homelands generations ago, the Pokagon Band received a small but meaningful portion of their land back in South Bend, Indiana. On November 18, 2016, the Bureau of Indian Affairs officially placed 166 acres of land into trust for the tribe which was a huge milestone in restoring a piece of their heritage.

Rebuilding Community and Opportunity in South Bend

Since then, the Pokagon Band has built housing, tribal government offices, and even opened a 175,000-square-foot facility featuring Class II gaming, restaurants, lounges, and community spaces. However, what truly matters is the impact. The tribe has created a space for its members in Indiana to connect, grow, and continue cultural traditions in the very place their ancestors once called home.

The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma: Keeping Tradition Alive in Fort Wayne

The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma also maintains a strong presence in Indiana, where their ancestors lived long before statehood. While most of the Miami Tribe was removed westward in the 1800s, today they’ve reestablished roots through their Cultural Extension Office in Fort Wayne. This space hosts ceremonies, educational events, and gatherings that help keep Miami traditions alive and accessible to members still living in Indiana.

Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present

Together, these tribes represent a living link to Indiana’s deep Indigenous history as they remind us that Native heritage isn’t just a chapter in a history book. It’s a continuing story of strength, identity, and community. As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, take a moment to explore these local connections. Visit tribal websites, learn about their traditions, or support Native artists and educators in our area.
What better time than now to listen, learn, and celebrate them?

Sources: https://faqs.in.gov/hc/en-us/articles/360033547051-Are-there-any-Native-American-tribes-in-Indiana

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