EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS:

November is National Native American Heritage Month. It’s a time to celebrate the diverse histories and cultures of hundreds of tribal communities across the U.S.

In Alaska, a family carries on a tradition of harvesting salmonberries even after a devastating typhoon. In North Carolina, a group of Indigenous girls convinced tribal lawmakers to grant rights to a river. And in Oklahoma, a tattoo artist is working to revitalize ancestral markings.

U.S. presidents have issued proclamations for decades honoring Native peoples in the month that coincides with the traditional harvest season.

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READ AP AND PARTNER COVERAGE

Here is a collection of short stories highlighting joy in Native American and Alaska Native communities:

AP Story: November highlights Native American cultures, from salmonberry picking to traditional tattoos

View the full partner stories here:

Kipnuk families scattered since Halong return to the land — and to each other, KYUK, published in September.

A ‘Rez Girl Trying to Make a Difference’, The Imprint, published in May

Cherokee youth win legal rights for waterway in first all-female U.S. effort, Mongabay, published in September

From classroom to sugarbush, immersion school connects students to Indigenous language and culture, MPR News, published in April

Learn more about the Global Indigenous Reporting Network.

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TIPS: COVERING NATIVE AMERICAN ISSUES THOUGHTFULLY AND RESPONSIBLY

Any beat or coverage area can be advanced by looking at the perspective and actions of, and impacts on, Native American and Alaska Native tribes in your area. A handful of examples — voting, courts coverage, education, media access, sports, environment, prediction markets (tribes going into them and opposing them).

Some other things to consider:

— The 575 federally recognized tribes are sovereign nations, with their own laws. Understand those laws and seek permission to access spaces that you would consider public outside reservations, Alaska Native villages or tribal land. Understand the history of the tribe and how its government is organized by doing research ahead of time. Practice patience and grace in interviews while maintaining standard journalistic principles. Avoid narratives that focus on deficits and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Refrain from assumptions.

— Many tribal nations are remote and not all have reliable internet access. Do not assume everyone can do a virtual video call. Be mindful that some individuals' first language is not English.

— Tribal nations are complex and comprise diverse perspectives. Tribal communications staff are often found through the nations’ official websites and can be a good place to start with interview requests. For more, see: the Indigenous Journalists Association’s reporting guides.

— The Associated Press Stylebook also is a good reference. The AP advises to use the individual's specific tribal identity when possible and use the tribe's preference for those who are enrolled, generally “citizen” or “member.” The AP uses “American Indian” sparingly, typically when it's part of a proper name.

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