On August 3, 1990, George H. W. Bush issued that Native American Heritage Month would take place during the month of November. Native American Heritage Month was created in order to celebrate the history and culture of indigenous Americans, and to bring awareness to the various issues that plague their communities, including advancing their rights and freedoms. Cathedral Prep hopes to continue to support the causes of Native Americans, and all other minority and marginalized groups.

Cathedral Prep has decided to celebrate this month by sharing information about the notable contributions by Native Americans throughout history. In fact, Jerry C. Elliott High Eagle assisted in the passing of legislation that authorized Native American Awareness Week, which was the progenitor of Native American Heritage Month. Additionally, he was one of the first Native Americans who surpassed barriers in order to work at NASA, and his quick thinking ultimately saved the lives of the three astronauts onboard the Apollo 13.

In order to learn more about the contributions and successes of Native Americans, Mr. Moffett, Cathedral Prep’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, gave his perspective on this month to the Rambler.

“Native American Heritage Month is a testament of the tenacity and bravery displayed by indigenous Americans such as Jim Thorpe, Wilma Mankiller, and Allan Houser, all of whom are celebrated by Cathedral Prep this month,” Mr. Moffett said. “Each person listed accomplished great feats that influenced our nation. As our country moves forward, let us hope that we at Cathedral Prep can continue to advocate for the rights of indigenous Americans and bring awareness to their history.”