Honoring Native American Heritage Month at Parkside

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the treatment of Indigenous communities throughout American history and to acknowledge their enduring presence and impact.

New York City, in particular, has deep Indigenous roots. Before European exploration and colonization, the region was home to the Lenape people, who lived, hunted, and thrived here for thousands of years. As Dutch settlers expanded their colony of “New Amsterdam,” later renamed New York, the Lenape were forced from their land. Today, most of their descendants live in Oklahoma and Ontario, Canada, but their legacy remains woven into the fabric of our city.

Many of New York’s familiar place names are reminders of this heritage. Manhattan comes from the Lenape word "Manna-hata," meaning "island of many hills." Canarsie, a Brooklyn neighborhood, is named after the Canarsie tribe, while areas like Gowanus and Jamaica are believed to have evolved from Native American words. These names stand as enduring connections to the Indigenous communities that shaped this land long before it became the city we know today.

At The Parkside School, we are committed to fostering awareness and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. By recognizing the historical and present-day experiences of Native American communities, we help students understand the importance of honoring and respecting diverse histories.

This month and beyond, we encourage our school community to learn more, reflect, and acknowledge the Indigenous peoples who have contributed to the rich cultural landscape of our city and country.