Multnomah County Library Honors Native American Heritage Month

Multnomah County Library invites the community to join in celebrating and honoring Native American Heritage Month. Visit a library location through November 30 to learn about events, book displays and activities.

Linda Meanus's most recent book is titled My Name is Lamoosh. Her book tells of her life story and the paths that led her to higher education and empowerment for tribal people. This month honors the rich traditions and culture of Native Americans, Alaska Natives,  Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) and the many other Indigenous peoples of the Americas.

“It's important to note that we celebrate the diverse strengths of being Indigenous all year long, but during the months of October (Indigenous Peoples Day) and November (Native Heritage month) we draw up on these strengths to remind the rest of the community that we have always been here, and we are still here,” says Eva Red Bird, Multnomah County Library’s Indigenous community services coordinator.

Participate at one of the events

• Creative Containers, Nov. 7 at Hollywood Library at 4 p.m. and at 6 p.m. Kids, have fun making your own traditional Indigenous container to take home. Learn about this colorful craft, known as parfleche. These containers are part of the heritage of the Plains tribes. With local educator Andrea Robideau (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate; White Earth Nation Anishinaabe and Lipan Apache.)
• Linda Meanus Reading, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. at the Mamook Tokatee, NAYA housing complex. Linda Meanus is a beloved elder, author, and member of the Warm Springs Tribe. She was raised by her grandparents and grew up knowing her sacred teachings of her tribe and culture. Linda is very active and continues to pow wow dance. She says that each step she takes is carrying prayer for the community.
• Edible Native American Plants of the Willamette Valley, Nov. 12 at Belmont Library at 2 p.m. Learn about traditional Native American food plants of the Willamette Valey like huckleberry, cedar, sweetgrass and other plants used for basketry and medicine with Stephanie Craig, Santiam and Yoncalla Kalapuya tribal member.
• Native Story Hour, Nov.15 online at 10:30 a.m. or Nov.18 at Hollywood Library at 1:30 p.m. Sing, listen, learn and celebrate. Join Karen Kitchen (Osage Nation) for this story hour featuring songs and books from Native cultures.
• Creative Containers: Parfleche, Nov. 16 at St. Johns Library at 4:00 p.m.
• Native Story Hour Live, Nov. 18 at Hollywood Library  at 1:30 p.m. Come sing, listen, learn and celebrate. Join Karen Kitchen (Osage Nation) for this story hour featuring songs and books from Native cultures. Children, families, elders, aunties and uncles — everyone is welcome.

“What an honor for the library to be part of our presence and resiliency,” says Red Bird.

Visit the library and meet members of the library’s Indigenous team to find culturally relevant materials for you. Multnomah County Library offers programs and services for the Indigenous community year round. Stay up to date at multcolib.orgmultcolib.org.