Native American Heritage Month 2025
The world is rich with diversity, which is reflected in the observances and recognitions celebrated by its various cultures, religions, and populations.
These are a few observances in November, from local to international:
National Caregivers Month
Veterans Day on November 11
Thanksgiving/Gratitude Day on November 27
November is Native American Heritage Month, which celebrates the history and contributions of Native Americans. Throughout this month, we'll share stories of Native American runners and culture.
Notable Native American Runners in History and Today
As part of Native American Heritage Month, we acknowledge and celebrate the Native runners who have made an impact in the sport throughout the years. Native American running is a tradition that goes back generations. Running was essential for transportation, communication, and survival before the widespread use of horses and continues today as a form of spiritual connection to the land and a way to honor heritage and promote community. Click on the link below for a list of notable runners, each with unique stories of how they’ve contributed to the running community.
Rising Hearts Brings Awareness to the Lands and Lives of Indigenous Peoples
Rising Hearts is an Indigenous-led grassroots organization founded in January 2017 by Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone. Jordan created the organization because of the lack of Indigenous representation around community organizing in Washington, D.C. for Standing Rock, home to the Lakota and Dakota nations, and the fight to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Patti Dillon: My Journey as a Mi'kmaw Woman
Patti Dillon received the 2023 Abebe Bikila Award, presented annually by NYRR to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the sport of distance running. Patti shares the story of her heritage and her dramatic run at the 1980 New York City Marathon, where she became the first American woman to break 2:30.
Verna Volker and Native Women Running at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon
ABC News' Linsey Davis spoke with marathon runner Verna Volker of Native Women Running on her quest to bring sisterhood to Native American women running for community, healing, and visibility. Verna led a Native Women Running team at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon.
Celebrating Our Diverse and Thriving Cultures
NYRR Contributors Circle member Dinée Dorame writes that there is a complicated and sometimes tense history behind heritage recognition months, but this month also presents an opportunity to recognize Native athletes and communities and to forge new relationships in the running space.