Post by Doris McCraw
writing as Angela Raines
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| Photo property of the author |
November is National Novel Writing Month, commonly known as NaNoWriMo, where people work to write 50,000 words in thirty days. More importantly, it's National Native American Heritage Month.
I do not have any Indigenous past relatives that I know of, but my departed ex did. Whenever we'd have conversations, he knew little to nothing about that heritage. From what I understand it came from both sides of his family. I always felt bad that his family couldn't or didn't talk about that heritage.
For myself, knowing where I came from, what has made me unique has been important. Much of my actions, philosophy, and even foods I ate, came from those ancestors.
There has always been a fascination with the roots of civilizations. As a child, I was always reading about the Olmec, Aztec, Toltec, and Anasazi people. Later, after visiting the Cahokia Mounds I tried to find more about that group of people. To this day, I find myself reading anything I can on the history of the mounds and it's people. Overview of Cahokia Mounds
This naturally grew to include the lives and civilizations of later indigenous people. Illinois, where I grew up, as most know, got its name from the 'Illini' people. The Fox, Kickapoo, Sacs, were among the early people of that state. Here is a map to help illustrate:
I have a copy of this map in my possession. I find it endlessly useful. I've also included the link that includes more information about the map.
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| https://www.aaanativearts.com/OLDus_tribes_AtoZ.htm |
Thank you for allowing me to share my passion for these people and their history.
An article on the creation of National Native Heritage Month
Until next month, stay safe, follow your passion, and keep reading and writing.
Colorado and Women's History
