UTTC explains the importance of Native American Heritage Month

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – North Dakota is rich in Native American history and heritage.

United Tribes Technical College Indigenous Leadership Instructor Sunshine Archambault has an office full of things that highlight her culture.

This month, she is especially proud of her Indigenous background — even the parts people might not want to remember.

“It’s been a really hard history over the centuries of contact since European settlers came over, and we’re still here. We’ve had to live through really difficult times, including boarding schools, active war, active genocide attempts, and we’ve survived, and now we’re at a point that we’re thriving,” said Sunshine Archambault, UTTC instructor.

She said Native Americans have their own distinct culture, their own nations, and governing systems.

“But we also take part in society with everybody else. And so, our kids are in the schools here in Bismarck-Mandan. They’re also in the schools back on the reservations, and it’s important that for them, that history gets acknowledged,” said Archambault.

She said this month is a great time to support Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs, buy native-made items, and participate in inclusive events.

“We are the first people of this place. So, no matter where you go, the only people that are really from this place are the Native Americans and that can be forgotten within American society. When we think about people immigrating and coming, and sort of diving into the melting pot,” said Archambault.

She said native peoples have always been living on this land and are connected to it.

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