November is a month dedicated to recognizing and honoring the history, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States. Fairfax County, with its rich cultural heritage, is no exception. This year, the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) is spotlighting Native American Heritage through a range of events that explore the cultural legacies of Native American and Alaskan Native communities. These events aim to educate, engage, and celebrate the enduring impact that these groups have had on the land we now call home.
In Fairfax County, this is an important time to reflect on the contributions of indigenous peoples, whose presence here dates back thousands of years. This blog will explore how Fairfax County is celebrating Native American heritage and highlight some of the key events and educational activities that residents can look forward to in November.
The Deep Roots of Native American Communities in Fairfax County
Fairfax County’s rich history is intertwined with the presence of Native American peoples, specifically the Eastern Woodland tribes. Archaeological evidence shows that humans have lived in what is now Virginia for 16,000 to 22,000 years. These early inhabitants, including the Powhatan Confederacy and other Algonquian-speaking tribes, developed profound relationships with the land. They established complex societies based on hunting, fishing, agriculture, and community rituals, all of which allowed them to thrive in the region long before European settlers arrived.
Over the centuries, these tribes played a vital role in the survival of the first English settlers at Jamestown and continued to influence the cultural and political landscape of Virginia. Native Americans in Virginia contributed not only to the survival of the early settlers but also to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the emerging nation. Despite the immense challenges posed by colonization, Native American communities have shown resilience and perseverance. Today, these communities continue to preserve and share their traditions, arts, and languages with future generations.
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month in Fairfax County
To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, the Fairfax County Public Library is hosting a variety of events across the county, designed to educate and celebrate the cultural legacies of Native American peoples. These events highlight traditional arts, crafts, storytelling, and dance, creating a space for people of all ages to connect with the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Explore Native American Life in Fairfax County
One of the central events in the celebration is the “Explore Native American Life in Fairfax County” program. This series of interactive sessions at multiple library branches allows attendees to step back in time and experience what life might have been like for the Eastern Woodland Indians, the tribes who originally inhabited the region.
Visitors can view replica artifacts that were once used for hunting, gathering, and daily life, gaining insight into how these tools were made and used. The hands-on activities, such as grinding corn and playing corn dart games, offer a fun and educational way to engage with Native American culture. Storytelling is another key component, as attendees listen to traditional Native American lore, which offers a deeper understanding of the worldview and spiritual beliefs of these communities.
The program will be hosted at several libraries, including Richard Byrd Library (November 2), Chantilly Regional Library (November 3), Great Falls Library (November 9), and Thomas Jefferson Library (November 16). These dates provide ample opportunity for residents to engage in the festivities.
N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear
Another exciting offering is the screening of N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library on November 4. This documentary tells the story of N. Scott Momaday, the first Native American author to win the Pulitzer Prize for Literature. His work, House Made of Dawn, won the prestigious award in 1969 and is considered a cornerstone of Native American literature.
Momaday’s writing is known for its exploration of Native American identity, history, and the relationship between people and the land. The documentary provides a deeper look into his life and the impact of his work on Native American representation in literature. This event is an excellent opportunity for those interested in literature, history, and Native American culture to learn from one of its most distinguished voices.
Create Your Own Sand Painting
On November 21, the Culmore (Woodrow Wilson) Library will host a sand painting workshop where attendees can learn about the Navajo Nation’s tradition of creating intricate sand art. Sand painting is a practice that holds both artistic and medicinal significance, often used in healing ceremonies. Participants will learn the cultural context of this art form and have the opportunity to create their own sand paintings as part of this hands-on experience.
This event provides a unique opportunity to connect with Native American artistic traditions, while also fostering a greater appreciation for the healing and spiritual role that art plays within these communities.
Native American Heritage Celebration
The Native American Heritage Celebration at various library branches on November 23 and 24 promises to be a highlight of the month’s festivities. This event features an authentic cultural presentation and dance demonstration by the Eastern Woodland Revitalization, a group dedicated to preserving and sharing the dances and songs of the Eastern Woodland tribes.
The performances, including the Harvest Dance and the Eastern Blanket Dance, provide a dynamic way to experience Native American culture firsthand. These dances, accompanied by traditional music, offer an expressive and visual way to understand the cultural and spiritual significance of movement within Native American traditions. The event also includes a craft activity for children, further ensuring that this celebration is engaging for all ages.
These performances will take place at the Reston Regional Library (November 23) and Centreville Regional Library (November 24). It’s an opportunity for families to come together and learn about Native American traditions in a fun and accessible environment.
Read Aloud & Craft: Native American Stories
For a more intimate way to celebrate, the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library will host a Native American Heritage Month Read Aloud & Craft event on November 25. This storytime will feature Native American folktales and stories, followed by a creative craft activity. Children will learn about the history of totem poles and have the chance to create their versions, gaining an appreciation for the symbolism and storytelling elements behind these cultural icons.
This event combines the power of storytelling with hands-on creativity, making it a perfect way to introduce younger generations to Native American traditions and history.
Engaging with Native American Heritage All Year Round
While November is an important time to reflect on and celebrate Native American history and culture, Fairfax County offers opportunities to engage with these traditions year-round. The Fairfax County Public Library regularly offers educational resources, events, and collections focused on Indigenous cultures. Residents can explore the many books, films, and exhibits available at the library, further deepening their understanding of Native American contributions to our shared history.
Celebrating Native American Heritage in Fairfax County offers a valuable opportunity to learn about and honor the history, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Through educational events, performances, and hands-on activities, the community can connect with the rich cultural legacy of the Native American peoples who have shaped the history of Virginia and the United States.
Find more cultural activities or submit your own events on the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar.