SE Valley Times

Gilbert, Ariz. – Native American Heritage Month is recognized nationally in November, and Native American Heritage Day is celebrated the day after Thanksgiving. This year, Gilbert’s Native American Management Internship (NAMI) program is celebrating 10 years! The internship was created in partnership with the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community to provide opportunities for Native American students to learn about public service through government and bring exposure to innovative management practices.

In honor of the heritage month and NAMI, we asked our intern, Octavia, to share a little about herself and the significance of the celebrations.

Meet Octavia

My name is Octavia Freeland. I am Diné, a member of the Navajo Nation. I grew up within the Navajo Nation and pursued a degree in journalism at Northern Arizona University, learning about the Indigenous community through storytelling and community engagement. I am currently seeking ways that I can contribute to the Indigenous community through government initiatives. Since starting with Gilbert in September, I’ve come to see the astonishing commitment Gilbert staff and residents have towards building the community and progressing it forward.

The NAMI program has allowed Indigenous interns to gain municipal knowledge and provide Gilbert employees an opportunity to learn about tribal culture. Over the last decade, 36 interns have participated in NAMI.

Individuals from the following tribes have participated in NAMI: Apache Nation (NM), Colorado River Indian Tribes, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Grand Traverse Band of the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Hopi Tribe, Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nation, Navajo Nation, Pueblo of Pojoaque, Pueblo of Zuni, and the Gila River Indian Community.

Significance of Native American Heritage Month

The significance of Native American Heritage Month brings awareness to the original inhabitants of American land — the Indigenous people. It’s a time to celebrate, indulge and learn about Indigenous culture, language and stories from Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities.

Gilbert is about 9.5 miles away from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community and within about 50 miles of three other tribes. Arizona has 22 federally recognized tribes, each with their own teachings, language and culture.

Ways to Celebrate

Gilbert residents can participate in Native American Heritage Month by reading books by Indigenous writers and reading books about Indigenous culture. The Maricopa County Library District has created a featured collection for Native American Heritage Month. Gilbert residents can check the Perry or Southeast Regional libraries for book availability.

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Learn more about the NAMI program or apply today by visiting the Internship Opportunities section of our website!

Original source can be found here.