In The Loop

• Month Celebration: National Native American Heritage Month
• Did You Know?: World Kindness Day
• Festival: Diwali
• Looking for More? Leading Equity Podcast Episode 315: Navigating Nondominant Cultural Behaviors in the Classroom
• Books in My Back Pack, On my Shelf, and On My Desk
• Resources for Families
• PDE Equity Resources

National Native American Heritage Month is observed in the United States during the month of November. The observance is a time to celebrate and recognize the rich and diverse cultures, contributions, and history of Native Americans, the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. It is a time for both Native and no-Native Americans to come together and honor the traditions, art, music, dance, and history of Native Americans.

The history of Native American Heritage Month dates back to the early 20th century when Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, presented the idea of setting aside a day to honor Native Americans to President Woodrow Wilson in 1914. Over the years, various individuals and groups worked to expand the idea into a month-long observance.

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush approved the joint resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month. Since the, each U.S. president has issued an annual proclamation to honor and celebrate the contributions of Native Americans to American society and to promote awareness of Native American cultures and issues.

During Native American Heritage Month, events, programs, and educational activities are held across the country to promote a better understanding of Native American history and culture. This includes lectures, workshops, art exhibitions, and community gatherings. It is also a time to acknowledge the challenges that the Native American communities face, such as issues related to sovereignty, land rights, education, healthcare, and economic development.

The observance of Native American Heritage Month is an important step in the recognizing the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures and their significance in the history of the United States. It serves as a platform for promoting cross-cultural understanding and supporting the ongoing struggles and achievements of Native American communities.

Here in Norristown, as well as much of South Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and parts of New York, we reside on the ancestral land of the Delaware Tribe of Indians (Lenape). Their original land spans along the Mid-Atlantic from the Delaware Bay north to the headwaters of the Delaware River in New York. The land spanned as far west as the headwaters of the Schuylkill River, here in PA, to the Atlantic Ocean. The Lenape have been scattered around North America with three tribes here in the United States and two in Canada. The five federally recognized tribes of Lenape People currently belong to the Delaware Nation and Delaware Tribe of Indians in Oklahoma, the Stockbridge-Munsee Community in Wisconsin, the Munsee-Delaware Nation, Moravian of the Thames First Nation, and Delaware of Six Nations Ontario.

(Photo: Members of all five federally recognized Delaware Tribe of Indians visiting the Perkiomen Trail in 2021, as a part of the "Welcome Home Event" hosted by Ursinus College and PVSD )

World Kindness Day is an international observance taking place on Monday November 13th, 2023. It was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a coalition of nations' kindness NGOs. It is observed in many countries, including Canada, Australia, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates. Singapore observed the day for the first time in 2009.

Ted Talk: Reagan Hill "Power of Kindness" Time: 12min

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and by people of Indian origin around the world. It is a Hindu festival, but it is also celebrated by Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. Diwali typically lasts for five days, and it usually falls between October and November, depending on the lunar calendar.

The festival of Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The word "Diwali" itself is derived from the Sanskrit word "Deepavali," which means a row of lights. One of the most prominent and symbolic aspects of Diwali is the lighting of oil lamps and candles, which are placed around homes, temples, and public spaces to illuminate the night.

The festival has several different cultural and religious significances, and the way it is celebrated can vary by region and community. Some of the common elements and traditions associated with Diwali include:

• Lighting of Lamps: As mentioned earlier, the lighting of lamps and candles is central to the celebration. It is believed to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and the dispelling of ignorance.

• Decorations: Homes and public spaces are often adorned with colorful and intricate rangoli (decorative patterns made with colored powders or rice), as well as vibrant floral decorations.

• Fireworks: Fireworks are a significant part of Diwali celebrations. People light firecrackers and fireworks to celebrate the occasion, adding to the festive atmosphere.

• Prayers and Worship: Many people visit temples and offer prayers to deities like Lord Ganesha (the elephant-headed god) and Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity). It is believed that invoking their blessings will bring good fortune in the coming year.

• Feasting: Special Diwali sweets and dishes are prepared and shared with family and friends. Popular sweets include ladoo, jalebi, and various types of mithai (Indian sweets).

• Exchange of Gifts: People exchange gifts, particularly new clothes and sweets, as a way of expressing love and good wishes to one another.

• Cleaning and Renovation: It's customary to clean and renovate homes before Diwali, symbolizing the removal of negativity and the welcoming of positive energy.

Diwali is not only a religious celebration but also a time for families to come together, strengthen bonds, and celebrate the spirit of unity and joy. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and hope for a brighter future. The exact customs and traditions associated with Diwali can vary across different regions of India and among the various communities that celebrate it.

What to Say During Diwali:

• "Happy Diwali"
• "Wishing you a joyful and prosperous Diwali"
• "May the light of Diwali fill your life with happiness and success"
• "May the festival of lights bring you endless joy and enlightenment"

Dr. Rachael Mahmood is a teacher in a large school district outside of Chicago. In addition to teaching, she started Equity Teacher Leader, an educational equity consulting company where she works to design professional development for school districts and write curricula for organizations. Dr. Mahmood shares ideas, lessons, and frameworks for culturally responsive teaching on educational blogs, her YouTube channel, and on Tik Tok and Twitter. In 2020, she was featured in the Chicago Tribune: Naperville Sun newspaper, and recognized as a semi-finalist for the Teaching Tolerance Award for Teaching Excellence.

Link to Episode (Listening time 41min)

A PARENT’S GUIDE to Preventing and Responding to Prejudice (Southern Law Center)

Talking About Race (Smithsonian)

Norristown Area School District

Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer

Email: swillis@nasd.k12.pa.us
Website: https://www.nasd.k12.pa.us/staff
Location: 401 North Whitehall Road, Norristown, PA, USA
Phone: 610-630-5005