The 2024 election, Thanksgiving dinner, and Black Friday shopping have been top of mind for many this November. However, how many Americans saw November as a time to celebrate Native American traditions and culture? This year, several Italian American groups want to remind you of the importance of observing National Native American Heritage Month as part of an ongoing alliance between Italian American and Native American organizations.
One example of this renewed relationship is the virtual meetings hosted by the Native American Guardian’s Association and the Italian American One Voice Coalition called “Solidarity Sessions – Bridging Cultures Against Cancel Culture” that foster unity over divisiveness alongside a mutual celebration and respect for each ethnic group. As part of these efforts, it was unanimously decided that promoting greater recognition of National Native American Heritage Month would further advance their goals, and the long list of organizations that have signed on in support of the initiative shows they mean business:
Association of Italian American Educators: Josephine Maietta, President
Colorado Italian American Foundation: Jerry Carleo, Chairman
Commission for Social Justice, OSDIA: Robert Ferrito, President – Dr. Mary Kovach, VP
Greater Westfield UNICO Chapter: Gene Jannotti, Vice President
Italian American Alliance: Thomas Damigella, Executive Vice President
Italian American Defense League of CT: Matthew Guarneri, President
Italian American One Voice Coalition: Andre’ DiMino, President – Tony Santarelli, Director
McLean UNICO Chapter: Anthony Andreoli, President
Rafael Ortiz, Author of “Columbus the Hero” and other books on Christopher Columbus
Raritan Valley UNICO Chapter: Tara DeLeon, Past President
Scranton UNICO Chapter: Dr. Peter Cognetti, Immediate Past President
St. Thomas Knights of Columbus: George Nieves, President
Transportation Columbia Association Brooklyn: Leonardo Timpone, VP
UNICO National: Anthony Bengivenga, President – Dr. Ann Walko, Past National President
UNICO National Anti-Bias Committee: James Scanelli, Chairman
As a recent press release put it, Native and Italian Americans “share a common experience of marginalization, misrepresentation and the damaging effects of cancel culture,” and these organizations hope that by joining forces, they can reclaim the narratives around their communities and honor their own identities – on their own terms.
While November is almost over, there is no better time to celebrate Native American culture than today, also known as Native American Heritage Day. This civil holiday falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving each year since being signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2008. But whether you’re Black Friday shopping or learning about Native American customs today, remember to do it with people you care about.
Resources:
- Italian American Groups Urge Greater Recognition of National Native American Heritage Month [EIN Presswire]
