The events displayed on this webpage are for informational purposes only. The mere listing of any event on this webpage does not constitute an endorsement by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
Diversity Spotlight – November 2022
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, or as it is commonly referred to, American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. The month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native peoples. Native American Heritage Month is an opportune time to honor Native people’s important contributions to our nation and learn more about their tribes and lives.
Statewide
- The State Historical Society of Missouri houses resources for those interested in Native American history. Collections may be accessed at the SHSMO Research Centers in Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla, Springfield, and St. Louis. You can access their Native American Digital Collection on their website.
Western Missouri
- Join Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville in commemorating Native American Heritage Month. The University will be hosting events on both November 2 and November 9. For more information on the specific events, visit their informational page.
- Attend the Honoring Our Veterans Pow-wow at the Greenwood Laboratory School in Springfield on November 5. The Gourd Dance will start at 2 p.m. For more on the event, visit online.
- Attend the Trails Regional Library’s presentation-style class on the traditions and customs of Missouri’s historical indigenous tribes. The presentation will take place at the Trails Regional Library in Warrensburg on November 16 from 4 to 5 p.m. For more information, you can visit the library’s website.
Central Missouri
- Osage Indians were the first to discover a cavern they referred to as The Devil’s Den. Now called Marvel Cave, it contains the largest subterranean entry room in the United States and is the start to the cave’s hour-long tours that depart every half-hour from Silver Dollar City, Branson. For details, call 800-831-4386.
- Imagine 18th-century life at Osage Village State Historic Site in what is now a peaceful hilltop spot that once was the home of up to 3,000 Native peoples and about 200 lodges. Print a site map and suggested walking tour to enhance your time at this state park located in Walker. Check out this site for directions or further information.
- Visit Missouri’s American Indian Cultural Center at Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park. At the Cultural Center, one can spend time viewing both permanent and temporary displays that interpret the cultural history of the nine tribes that called Missouri home in the early 19th century. For information on the center and its hours of operation, visit this website.
Eastern Missouri
- Throughout the month of November, the St. Louis County Library will be hosting a number of events highlighting Native American Heritage. For more information on each event, visit the library’s website.
- Discover the Trail of Tears State Park, where thousands of Cherokee peoples crossed the Mississippi River in a forced migration from their native lands to the then newly created Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. For more information or directions to Jackson, visit the site.
- Visit the only Illinois Indian Village site discovered in Missouri at Iliniwek Village State Historic Site. Visitors can pack a picnic and hike the short walking trail, complete with an excavated Indian longhouse. Check out the site for directions to Wayland or further detail.
- Explore Towosahgy State Historic Site in East Prairie, where visitors can view earthen mounds built by Mississippian peoples living in Missouri. Visit online for additional detail.
More information:
For more information on Native American History and Heritage, you can visit the Native American Heritage Month Website, where exhibits and collections throughout the nation are listed and described.