Ways you can give back to local Indigenous communities

Are you looking for ways to support local Native tribes in your community? We’ve got ideas ranging from appreciating handmade art to learning more about Indigenous history.

Virginia was one of the first points of contact between the Indigenous population and European settlers. This Native American Heritage Month, you can support local tribes in a variety of ways.

Support Native American artists

Native American art often uses unique elements to showcase Indigenous culture. These works give Americans a glimpse into Indigenous history, culture, and people. Buying Indigenous-made products or supporting a native art gallery can help uplift quality work. 

Art also helps visualize the past—and the present. At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, guests can see forms of Indigenous art ranging from prehistoric times to the present day. 

“The collection encompasses a great variety of media, including textiles, ceramics, beadwork, sculpture, painting, and photography,” according to the museum website.

Donate to Indigenous organizations

Virginia has 11 recognized native tribes, and there are plenty of opportunities to donate to these groups. For example, the Rappahannock and Pamunkey tribes have websites with donation tabs. When you donate, your support goes towards historic preservation, Native housing, environmental preservation, and more!

Learn more about your state’s local tribes

Knowledge is power! It’s important to be knowledgeable about America’s Native history and future. Virginia’s History and Culture Museum has a ton of resources so you can learn more.

For groups of children, the museum offers an interactive presentation (just be sure to request ahead of time). In the program, the presenter unpacks replicas of artifacts used by the Powhatan Indians nearly 400 years ago, like bows and arrows, stone tools, animal skins, and the other items.

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

If you see any events in your area, showing up and supporting these groups makes a world of a difference. 

While many events took place earlier in the month across the commonwealth, there are still opportunities to experience. One is just across the Potomac River at the West End Neighborhood Library in Washington, DC. On Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 5:30 p.m., the library will play The Saver, a drama about a 16-year old who sets out to fight for life on her own terms after her mother’s sudden death. 

The film is a continuation of the branch’s West End Library Monthly Movie Series.