November: a time to note Native American figures

Every November since 1990, Native American Heritage month has been used to honor Native Americans. It’s a month to acknowledge the culture and accomplishments of Native Americans. 

Native Americans have played vital roles in many modern advancements and have become a pivotal force in the fight for freedom, equality, and peace. Providing a Native American context to history makes for a greater understanding of humanity.  Here are some important Native American figures: 

Black Hawk 

Born in 1767, Black Hawk was a fierce war Chief.    He was the leader of the Sauk tribes who helped assist the side of the British in the War of 1812. He also fought to save his tribe’s land from the settlers. 

Jim Thorpe 

Born in 1888 in the Sac and Fox Nation in Oklahoma, he is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. He played professional baseball, basketball, and football. He also won Olympic Gold Medals for the pentathlon and decathlon in the 1912 Olympics. He famously shared his Native American Heritage proudly which helped people begin to accept them and their history more. 

Sacheen Littlefeather  

Sacheen Littlefeather became a living legend at the 1973 Academy Awards when she made history after accepting the award for Best Actor on behalf of Marlon Brando. She gave a speech protesting the film industry’s treatment of Indigenous people. She stood proudly as an Indigenous woman despite her shocking speech which caught many off guard. She was the first Indigenous woman to have used the Academy Awards as a platform. Sacheen was born to a father of Apache and Yaqui heritage, and she dedicated her life in advocacy for the rights of Indigenous people across film, TV, and sports. 

Charlie “Yardbird” Parker 

Yardbird became one of the most notable jazz musicians of all time. He was a prolific artist known for his renowned skills as a saxophonist and his bebop style which had an impact on American Culture for years to come. Charlie Park was born to a Black father and an Indigenous mother. He went on to win a Grammy for his inarguable influence on Jazz.