It is Native American Heritage Month and we should be celebrating. Why? Because their diversity and influence on our history and culture is something to honor. Think of all of the words we have that come from Native Americans:

Caribou, Eskimo, chocolate, avocado, and well, you get the picture. We have thousands of words that have been influenced by Native American cultures.

Side tangent: For those that won't celebrate any heritage month until there is "White Heritage Month," I'd like to remind you that every month is White Heritage Month. So, there's that.

Okay, back on topic.

So here are some ways to celebrate this month and to honor our Native American families in the United States.

1. Read about the history of Native Americans. Yes, before there was Christopher Columbus crossing the pond, there were Native Americans already in this country, already documenting history. A good book I suggest is:

"1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus" by Charles C. Mann

This author gathered a lot of research and looked at a ton of archives to form the content in this book. This book is about the Americas before Christopher Columbus.

2. Watch lacrosse.

I bet you didn't know that lacrosse is a sport that came from the Iroquois people. This stick-and-ball game was played as far back as 1100 AD.

3. Watch a movie.

These are two movies about Native Americans that are worth watching (of course I am sure there are many more out there).

"I Will Fight No More Forever"

This movie is about the Trail of Tears and Chief Joseph. The allied friendship that had formed between Chief Joseph and the General made them feel safe, but a battle for their land erupted anyway. The Nez Perce must fight as they are forced from the Wallowa Valley (their sacred land) by the United States army.

"Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee"

This movie is about the battle of Little Big Horn and how the Sioux beat General Custer at this battle. The movie has a Sioux doctor, Sitting Bull, and a man that writes policies on Native American treatment and land seizure. Sitting Bull refuses to bend to the will of the United States government and does not want to forsake his identity or his land. Let the battle begin.

4. Support Native American Artists

This piece, "Boyz in the Band," is by John Balloue.

Check out more artists at the American Indian Arts Marketplace.

5. Stop appropriation. Appropriation is not appreciation.

You know how schools have mascots that are based on Native American culture? Maybe your favorite baseball team is based on Native American culture. Write a letter, speak up, or sign a petition to stop that. The reason this matters has nothing to do with being politically correct. This guy lays it out for you here.

So the next time you see this:

Think about what it really says. Then, say something if you feel comfortable enough. Don't put yourself in a dangerous situation, but the best to stop appropriation is to stop this.

For more info. check out :http://nativeappropriations.com/

Those are just a few ways to celebrate Native American History and to honor it. Also, consider buying from Native American clothing makers instead of at chain retail outlets.