CELEBRATE NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
The medicine wheel is a sacred symbol in several Native American tribes. It represents spiritual knowledge and a deep connection to all living things in the universe. Divided into four quadrants, the wheel symbolizes four colors — white, yellow, black, and red — along with the cardinal directions, seasons, stages of life, and other key elements of existence, as seen in the image above.
The medicine wheel offers a holistic way to view the world, which is also the inspiration behind PWNA’s logo. Just as the wheel promotes balance and interconnectedness, PWNA takes a holistic approach to achieving our vision of strong, self-sufficient Native communities.
This Native American Heritage Month, join us in celebrating the rich culture, traditions, and enduring contributions of Native peoples. We invite you to use this time to educate others about the unique challenges Native communities have faced — both historically and today — and share how PWNA, with your support, is embracing a holistic approach to serving Native American communities.
WHITE
North
We proudly serve 22 reservations across 5 priority states in the Northern Plains—Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington. Our focus is on reaching underserved, geographically isolated reservations where employment opportunities are scarce. Through strong partnerships with Tribal communities, we work to improve the quality of life for nearly 200,000 Native Americans each year.
Learn More About Our Service Area >>
Air
“Being an Alaskan Native, I know the need for fresh goods such as fruits and vegetables. In my village, there is only one store that isn’t very big but has the necessities. Being a pilot, I can serve the community I grew up in by bringing goods or mail or connecting people throughout the villages.”
Learn More About Ben >>
Death
All Souls' Day, observed in November, is a cherished tradition within the Tohono O’odham Nation where families honor their deceased ancestors by preparing their favorite meals and sharing food with others in the community. Pictured here is Barbara, a 72-year-old resident, as she prepares for the occasion by cooking traditional meals to honor her ancestors. Barbara emphasizes the importance of preserving these cultural practices in the face of changing times.
Learn More About Barbara's story >>
Mind
Learn more about our AIEF program >>
Animal
Pauline, a 62-year-old member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, grew up surrounded by animals, nurturing her natural love and care for them. “I’m an animal lover,” she proudly shares. Over the years, she has adopted several dogs from the local shelter, including her 7-year-old Saint Bernard, Baby. “I got her when she was 7 months old, and she already looked fully grown.” Pauline is also the shelter’s only regular foster, providing a much-needed home when it’s at full capacity. Having volunteered for years, she’s grateful for the support from RAR, saying, “I’ve received animal supplies since 2016, and I’m really thankful for the donations of toys and blankets.”
Sweetgrass
This week's giveaway is Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Potawatomi professor Robin Wall Kimmerer. In this acclaimed book, Kimmerer explores how Indigenous knowledge offers a valuable, complementary perspective to Western scientific methods.
Enter Now For A Chance To Win >>
YELLOW
Fire
Remote Tribal communities often face severe resource shortages during natural disasters, and PWNA is often the first responder and sometimes the only responder. This year, we received several urgent requests from Tribal communities impacted by devastating wildfires. Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to provide these communities with essential relief supplies during their time of need.
Learn more about our Emergency Services and how you can help >>
MMIW
Did you know American Indians and Alaska Natives are two times more likely to experience assault crimes than any other race in the United States? Indigenous survivors face emotional trauma and physical health issues, and their road to recovery is often longer due to limited access to health care, testing, and treatment.
View this powerful message of survival featuring Whoopi Goldberg and leaders from MMIW Texas Rematriate, PWNA, and Techplug and learn what actions YOU can take to spread awareness and help break the cycle >>
Growth
Native Americans experience diabetes at a higher rate than other populations, with nearly 27% of those aged 65 and older affected. This disease brings significant financial, physical, and emotional challenges. To support healthier living, PWNA assists in establishing individual and community gardens on select reservations, fostering access to nutritious foods, and promoting self-sustainability.
Discover more ways we support Tribal community health programs >>
Spring
On June 4, 2024, a rare white buffalo calf named Wakan Gli - meaning "Return Sacred" in Lakota - was born in Yellowstone National Park, fulfilling a powerful Lakota prophecy symbolizing hope and renewal. Chief Arvol Looking Horse, an esteemed Lakota spiritual leader, described Wakan Gli’s birth as both a blessing and a call to action, underscoring the urgent need for greater environmental stewardship.
See why Wakan Gli’s birth is so important to the Lakota people>>
Emotions
Food is medicine, nourishing both body and mind. The Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash—make a hearty, flavorful stew and serve as a model for mutual support. When planted together, each plant helps the others thrive throughout the growing season.
Learn how the Three Sisters support each other and enjoy a free recipe >>
Mineral
Mining on Native American reservations often comes with negative consequences – especially when Tribes do not consent, or are not fully informed. The uranium mining era on Navajo land marked the beginning of more broken promises and injustices toward the Navajo people.
Discover the full history of mining on the Navajo Nation >>
Veterans Day
Did you know that Native Americans serve in the U.S. military at a higher per capita rate than any other ethnic group? In fact, Native Americans have a proud history of service, participating in every major conflict since the American Revolution. This Veterans Day, let’s honor the invaluable contributions of Native American Soldiers, Veterans, Civilians, and their Families—past and present.
Giveaway
This week, don’t miss your chance to win a delicious Indigenous Foods Gift Box! This special prize includes Wild Rice Blueberry Muffin or Scone Mix, flavorful Fruit Jelly, and 6 oz of premium Red Lake Long Grain Wild Rice from Nawapo (formerly Red Lake Nation Foods).
RED
South
We proudly serve 37 reservations across four priority states in the Southwest—Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Utah. PWNA focuses on reaching underserved, geographically isolated reservations where employment opportunities are scarce. Through strong partnerships with Tribal communities, we work to improve the quality of life for nearly 200,000 Native Americans each year.
Learn More About Our Service Area >>
Water
Imagine hauling water into your home just to brush your teeth or wash dishes—30% of Navajo families do. Or worrying about whether the water for your morning coffee is safe—many Navajo do. And when nature calls at night, 42% still rely on outhouses. Water is life, yet so many live without easy to this precious resource.
Learn more about the water crisis in Indian Country today >>
Red Shawl Day
Red Shawl Day is a powerful reminder of solidarity and support for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The red shawl represents strength, resilience, and the need for justice in Native communities, and we encourage everyone to wear red and stand with Indigenous women. To spread awareness surrounding Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), PWNA has partnered with social activist Whoopi Goldberg and leaders from MMIW Texas Rematriate and TechPlug to support survivors like Christy, who shares her personal story of abduction, survival, and healing in this powerful video.
Learn more and watch the video >>
The Real Story of the First Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving approaching, it’s essential to learn the real story of the first Thanksgiving, as told by descendants of the Wampanoag Tribe and the English settlers of Plymouth Colony. Discover what truly happened in 1621 and how those events continue to shape the lives of Native American communities today.
Birth
Naming ceremonies hold deep significance for many Tribes and are a way for some to formally welcome members into their community. A notable example is NBA star Kyrie Irving, who, along with his sister, was formally embraced by the Lakota Tribe during a traditional naming ceremony in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, where he received the name “Little Mountain.”
Discover Kyrie Irving’s journey of reconnecting with his heritage>>
Summer
Life on reservations presents challenges unknown to most Americans, like food insecurity, water shortages, and limited access to healthcare. PWNA’s Navajo Relief Fund (NRF) program helps by providing Summer Emergency Boxes filled with essentials like water, nonperishable food, and protective gear. Ambrose and Irene of Kayenta, who live on a combined social security income of about $1,700, expressed gratitude for the support. Ambrose shared, “With rent, vehicles, and utilities, it’s a lot to cover on just social security.”
See Ambrose and Irene’s Story >>
Moon
Throughout history, people have used full moons to mark the passage of seasons, creating a natural calendar. Many full moons have a unique name inspired by signs in nature.
Discover the special names for each full moon of the year and their meanings>>
Giveaway
This week, we’re giving away a stunning handcrafted vase from Little Soldier Sioux Pottery in South Dakota! Don’t miss your chance to own this one-of-a-kind piece featuring vibrant colors and intricate designs, each signed by the artist for a personal touch.
BLACK
Body
Taking care of our bodies is essential to overall health, but on reservations, there are shortages of doctors and nurses. Remedy, a junior nursing student, received a scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year from the American Indian Education Fund® (AIEF) through Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA). Growing up on the Rosebud Reservation, where there’s only one hospital and a few small clinics, Remedy sees the need for health role models. Without the AIEF scholarship, Remedy would have needed another job, which would have impacted her academics and well-being. She shared, “I want to let the donors know that they’re changing lives and making a difference. I wouldn’t be able to do this well in school without this scholarship.”
Learn more about Remedy and see how she is an inspiration to her people>>
Earth
Dignity of Earth and Sky, commonly known simply as "Dignity," is a stunning sculpture that majestically stands on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River near Chamberlain, South Dakota. Created by artist Dale Claude Lamphere, the sculpture’s plaque features a powerful quote: “Standing at a crossroads, Dignity echoes the connection between earth, sky, and people. She illuminates the beauty and enduring spirit of the Indigenous cultures that continue to thrive on this land.”
Harvest
Food provides us with so much more than nourishment in our lives. It connects us to family and friends, to history and heritage, and to the earth and its bounty. This recipe offers a special opportunity to connect directly to Native American heritage.
Download the recipe today and enjoy a taste of tradition in your own home>>
West
The Trail of Tears refers to the forced relocation of Native American Tribes from their ancestral lands to a designated Indian Territory (modern-day Oklahoma) in the 1830s. This tragic journey was part of the broader policy of westward expansion, driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny, which sought to move Native populations off their lands to make way for European-American settlers. Thousands of Native people died due to harsh conditions, disease, and malnutrition during the relocation. The Trail of Tears remains a symbol of the devastating impact of U.S. expansion on Indigenous communities.
Sage
A dozen Native leaders gathered for a 4D session in Rapid City, South Dakota, to share strengths and invest in their personal and professional growth. The session began with a prayer and smudging, followed by personal stories from participants. The group, made up of both young and older members from various fields like business, healthcare, education, and agriculture, is committed to making a difference in their communities.
Learn more about AIEF’s 4 Directions Program >>
After Thanksgiving Download
What really happened after the first Thanksgiving? How did that first harvest mark the beginning of the end of English reliance on their Tribal neighbors, and why did the relationship brutally change? In return for their charity and compassion, the Wampanoag and other Tribes got genocide, loss of land, and centuries of oppression.
Giveaway
Don’t miss your chance to win an exclusive Indigenous Holiday Basket featuring delicious treats from Bedré Fine Chocolate, owned by the Chickasaw Nation—the only Native American tribe that makes chocolate. The basket also includes two custom wrapping paper rolls from NTVS and a stunning hand-beaded ornament from 5 Sisters Beadwork.
