fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
Donate Get Newsletter
Donate Get Newsletter
 

National American Indian Heritage Month Stopped at the Pentagon

Tags

Details
The U.S. Department of Defense’s intelligence agency will not observe National American Indian Heritage Month, according to an internal  memorandum distributed on January 28, 2025.
 
National American Indian Heritage Month has been celebrated annually every November since President George H.W. Bush established it in 1990. Since then, the November observance has transitioned into Native American Heritage Month.
 
This past November, President Joe Biden declared the month Native American Heritage Month in a proclamation.
 
In the presidential proclamation below, the president said: "Indigenous peoples’ history in the United States is defined by strength, survival, and a deep commitment to and pride in their heritage, right to self-governance, and ways of life."
 

In addition to National American Indian Heritage Month, the January 28 memorandum discontinues 10 other annual observances, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Juneteenth, and Holocaust Days of Remembrance.

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

The elimination of these observances is a direct result of President Donald Trump’s January 20, 2025, executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government.

“DIA will pause all activities and events related to Agency Special Emphasis Programs effective immediately and until further notice,” the memo states. “Additionally, Special Observances hosted throughout the year … are also paused.”

The January 28 memorandum was first reported by independent journalist Ken Klippenstein and posted on the social platform X.

During the Trump's first term, the president declared November as National American History and Founders Month to celebrate the first European founders and settlers of America in additon to proclaming the month Native American Heritage Month.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed staff on Wednesday to create a task force to promote “merit-based, color-blind policies” throughout the U.S. military and ensure that no DEI programs continue to exist.

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Tribal Nations Urge Citizens to Carry ID as ICE Raids Increase
Man Convicted for Selling Fake Hopi Jewelry, Defrauding Buyers of $400K

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?

Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting. 

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

About The Author
Levi Rickert
Author: Levi RickertEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Levi "Calm Before the Storm" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at [email protected].