Acknowledging the tribal and ancestral stewardship of the land you occupy is a vitally important step toward educating oneself on indigenous heritage. This Native American Heritage Month, Heritage Museum of Orange County would like to share eight resources on how you might become a better, more informed ally to the indigenous community.
1. Visit native-land.ca.
Canadian non-profit organization Native Land Digital has created an incredible resource for educating the public on indigenous lands. By visiting www.native-land.ca, you can enter your home address to discover whose land you occupy. Click the links beside the map to learn more about the tribe(s).
2. Do your research.
Via www.native-land.ca, you can visit the official website(s) of your local tribal nation(s). From there, you can begin to read about their history and how they remain active today. Here are some other reputable sources you can use to research local tribal history:
3. Read a book.
There are countless books written by and about indigenous peoples in almost every genre. Visit your local library and ask a librarian where you can find books about indigenous history, culture, or life. Selecting a book written by an author of indigenous heritage can provide you with a clearer outlook on the indigenous experience.
Here are some recommendations of books about our local tribal nations here in Orange County:
O, My Ancestor: Recognition and Renewal for the Gabrielino-Tongva People of the Los Angeles Area by Claudia Jermain and Willliam McCawley
The First Angelinos by William McCawley
The Juañeno-Acjachema: Exploring Identity and the Reproduction of Culture by Candace Coffman
Of Sacred Lands and Strip Malls: The Battle for Puvungna by Ronald Loewe
Bad Indians: A Tribal Memoir by Deborah A. Miranda
4. Watch a documentary film.
Viewing an educational documentary or film is a great way to learn about indigenous culture, history, and life. Documentaries provide information in a visual, easily absorbed manner. You can usually watch documentaries online or on a streaming platform for little to no cost. Here are some of our recommendations:
Tending the Wild (2017)
Reel Injun: On the Trail of the Hollywood Indian (2009)
The Walk (2001)
What Was Ours (2017)
5. Visit a local heritage site.
There are a few heritage sites here in Southern California that interpret local indigenous history. Taking the time out to visit one of these places can help connect you to indigenous history firsthand. Here are a few we recommend:
San Onofre State Park (site of Panhe – a sacred Acjachemen site)
6. Support indigenous-owned businesses.
Use your purchasing power for good. Supporting organizations that are indigenous-owned is a great way to support the well-being of the community. Visit intentionalist.com to search for businesses in your area that are indigenous-owned. There are also many indigenous-owned businesses online which you can support.
7. Stay informed.
To be an ally to indigenous folx, you must be cognizant of the past and the present. Keep up with the issues facing indigenous communities. It’s equally, if not more important, to celebrate the strength, resiliency, and accomplishments of indigenous folx. ICT News is an indigenous-led media platform dedicated to sharing indigenous news as well as history and culture.
8. Speak out and amplify indigenous voices.
Use your voice to support indigenous communities, but never to speak for them. Keep learning and growing, and let indigenous leaders guide you when it comes to supporting the community.
This Native American Heritage Day and Month, let’s commit to changing the narrative. The next time you gather with friends or family, acknowledge the folx whose land you’re occupying. Let this be your first step, but not your last. Although we cannot turn back time and remedy the past, we can and will do everything in our power to secure a better future.