November is a beautiful time of year. It is a month dedicated to gratitude, in which we are encouraged to practice thankfulness and be mindful of all that we have. The month of November marks many big days, from Veterans Day, to Thanksgiving, as well as Native American Heritage Day. Along with the focus on gratitude, November celebrates Native American Heritage Month.

Those of us at ALD & Associates understand Thanksgiving is a complicated holiday. While an emphasis on gratitude is lovely, for many, the holiday marks the start of the colonization of Native American culture at the hands of white settlers. We would like to take a moment to honor Native American Heritage Month and Indigenous People.

Over the centuries, many Native Nations have experienced displacement and no longer live on the land of their ancestors. Despite this, many Indigenous communities still have a strong and enduring connection to the places that once were theirs. Out of respect to Indigenous Peoples, ALD & Associates would like to offer a land acknowledgment.

The National Museum of the American Indian defines a land acknowledgment as “a traditional custom that dates back centuries in many Native nations and communities. Today, land acknowledgments are used by Native Peoples and non-Natives to recognize Indigenous Peoples who are the original stewards of the lands on which we now live.”

ALD & Associates acknowledge and respect the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respects to the Native Elders past and present. We support the rights and well-being of Indigenous People. We stand in solidarity with them and recognize the injustices Native Americans have experienced.

In the vein of gratitude and acknowledgment, we would also like to take a moment to recognize the efforts and injustices of the Black slaves and immigrant workers who have also paved the path we’ve walked as a country. America has a deep and complicated history, and we would be amiss to not deliver both our heartfelt sorrows as well as our gratitude and respect.

Our team at ALD & Associates wishes you a November filled with gratitude, joy, and love, as well as appreciation and consideration for all those who have come before us.

For assistance in growing your organization with a focus on on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), schedule a 30-minute consultation with ALD & Associates here: https://calendly.com/ald-associates/15min?month=2023-04