Celebrated each November, National Native American Heritage Month is a time to honor the diverse traditions, stories, and contributions of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. Initiated in 1990, this annual recognition commemorates Indigenous histories—and the vibrancy of contemporary Native cultures and peoples in the present moment and into the future. 

Throughout the year, Levitt communities work to support and extend Native visibility, platforming Indigenous artistry and fostering cultural understanding through partnerships with local organizations and leaders.  

 

LEVITT PAVILION DENVER
Denver, Colorado  

 

The All My Relations Celebration (AMRC) is presented at Levitt Pavilion Denver with partners including the Denver Indian Center. A reflection of the Denver Native community, AMRC honors contemporary Indigenous culture through diverse music, food, and dance.   

“AMRC has grown to be a place for the Native community to come together in the name of music and celebration of Indigenous artistry, and it also invites non-Indigenous peoples to learn,” said Helen Gover (Diné, Pawnee, and Choctaw), Communications Manager of Levitt Pavilion Denver and Curator of the All My Relations Celebration. “Indigenous people have always been creative cultural bearers through music and art. There are many more ways this festival will continue to grow, thanks to community feedback and partners like the Denver Indian Center. With AMRC, we are in control of our storytelling; this is just the beginning.” 

 

LEVITT AMP HĀNA
Hāna, Hawaii 

 

Native traditions and culture play an integral role at the Levitt AMP Hāna Mele Series on the island of Maui. Many performers are local to the area, sharing traditions and music that are native to Hawaii, like Maka Gallinger (Native Hawaiian), a reggae songwriter and artist from Kona; Maui-based jam-band Kanekoa; and Kainani Kahaunaele (Native Hawaiian), a mele (Hawaiian song) enthusiast, singer, songwriter, teacher, and musician. 

Additionally, Kumu Piʻilani Lua, a Native Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner and staff member at Hāna Arts, coordinates cultural workshops and lawn activations. “I have been very fortunate to bring hula dancers from the community to participate on the lawn, displaying ancient and modern hula,” she said. “I also do weekly Cultural workshops for the community where I teach them how to make leis and bracelets from the materials growing here in Hāna.” 

 

LEVITT SHELL SIOUX FALLS
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 

 

At Levitt Shell Sioux Falls, the Mitakuye Oyasin or All My Relatives Festival is co-hosted by the Wokini Initiative at South Dakota State University, and showcases fashion, music, and traditions centered around Indigenous voices. This space for cultural celebration aligns with the Wokini Initiative’s mission to support not only Indigenous students, but all tribal relatives. 

“Often Indigenous peoples are discussed in pensive sadness and from a historical aspect,” said Keely Eagleshield (Húŋkpapȟa Lakȟóta), Program Coordinator for the Wokini Initiative. “Having this partnership with Levitt helps us share our culture with the community and allows us to show them that we’re not just sad stories, but that we are resilient.”  

The All My Relatives Festival has already seen a growth in engagement with its programming, and each year, the partnership has evolved, strengthening the relationship between Levitt Shell Sioux Falls and the Wokini Initiative of South Dakota State University.  

“We hope others continue to engage with our people when given the opportunity,” Eagleshield said. “Not only will engagement help others see our perspectives, but it will also show students that they are seen, and that they belong.” 

The Levitt Foundation recognizes the importance of creating opportunities for cross-cultural engagement year-round, and we take time this month to honor and celebrate all Native American traditions, heritage, and peoples of the present, past, and future. To learn more about our programs and support for communities and cultural celebrations, please visit our What We Fund page.