Yes, we should all recognize National Native American Heritage Month

Author

Andre' DiMino, President IAOVC

In furtherance of our continuing efforts to bridge cultures, in an unprecedented move, Italian American organizations from around the country have joined together to urge greater recognition of November as National Native American Heritage Month.  This is as a result of the ongoing alliance formed earlier this year among Native Americans, Italian Americans and other groups in monthly, virtual meetings called “Solidarity Sessions – Bridging Cultures Against Cancel Culture” – (the “Solidarity Sessions”).

November was declared National Native American Heritage Month, on August 3 1990 by President George H.W. Bush “…to call upon Federal, State and local Governments, groups and organizations and the people of the United States to observe such month with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.”

The Solidarity Sessions, held monthly since March of 2024, bring different groups together, in unity, to oppose the cancel culture affecting so many.  Leaders of the Native American Guardian’s Association (“NAGA”), representatives of Italian American organizations from around the country, and other groups collaborate to foster understanding, promote dialogue and build solidarity among diverse groups facing challenges from cultural erasure and historical revisionism.  At the November Solidarity Session, it was unanimously decided that, to further this unity effort, all groups should promote greater recognition of November as National Native American Heritage Month.
 
The following organizations, with their representatives that attended the Solidarity Session, as well as individuals, are participating in this initiative (alphabetical order):
 
Association of Italian American Educators: Josephine Maietta, President
Colorado Italian American Foundation: Jerry Carleo, Chairman
Commission for Social Justice, OSDIA: Robert Ferrito, President – Dr. Mary Kovach, VP
Greater Westfield UNICO Chapter: Gene Jannotti, Vice President
Italian American Alliance: Thomas Damigella, Executive Vice President
Italian American Defense League of CT: Matthew Guarneri, President
Italian American One Voice Coalition: Andre’ DiMino, President – Tony Santarelli, Director
McLean UNICO Chapter: Anthony Andreoli, President
Rafael Ortiz, Author of “Columbus the Hero” and other books on Christopher Columbus
Raritan Valley UNICO Chapter: Tara DeLeon, Past President
Scranton UNICO Chapter: Dr. Peter Cognetti, Immediate Past President
St. Thomas Knights of Columbus: George Nieves, President
Transportation Columbia Association Brooklyn:  Leonardo Timpone, VP
UNICO National: Anthony Bengivenga, President – Dr. Ann Walko, Past National President
UNICO National Anti-Bias Committee: James Scanelli, Chairman
 
Native American, Italian American and other communities share a common experience of marginalization, misrepresentation and the damaging effects of cancel culture. Fundamental to NAGA’s cause is responding to misconceptions on Native American names and imagery, while Italian Americans are dedicated to preserving Columbus as the iconic symbol of their heritage and culture.  Both groups have faced historical injustices and stereotypes that continue to impact their communities today. By joining forces, they aim to confront the harmful effects of cancel culture and reclaim their narratives.  They invite other groups and communities to join as well to create a broad alliance to oppose cancel culture. The Solidarity Sessions are coordinated by the Italian American One Voice Coalition (“IAOVC”).  The next Solidarity Session will be January 21, 2025 at 8 PM EST – to participate register at www.thesolidaritysessions.com.