November is Native American Heritage Month, and the Pocono Family YMCA wants to take this opportunity to uplift the culture and history through the voices and stories of Native American individuals and communities themselves. We’re going to explore how we can learn more as a Stroudsburg community through four steps – LEARN, REFLECT, CONNECT and ACTIVATE.

Learn

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the Pocono Family YMCA  encourages our Stroudsburg community to LEARN about the contributions of Native Americans through their own words. “We’re still here.” Learn about the issues that are important to Native Americans from Native Americans at ictnews.org.

Reflect

The Pocono Family YMCA  encourages you to take the opportunity to REFLECT during Native American Heritage Month. What do you think of when you hear the term “Native American?” Many traditional stereotypes are unknowingly hurtful, disrespectful and inaccurate.

Visit the YMCA Archives at https://bit.ly/4lXaRIQ and reflect on the history of Native Americans within the YMCA.

Connect 

During Native American Heritage Month, the Pocono Family YMCA invites you to take the opportunity to CONNECT with Native American individuals and communities in Stroudsburg.

Visit native-land.ca to learn about the Native and Indigenous communities in your local area, discover whose land you may be living on and find out who you can connect with to explore more.

Engage

The Pocono Family YMCA encourages you to ENGAGE in Native American Heritage Month by supporting Native American authors, artists and business owners in Stroudsburg. Pick up a new book penned by a Native American author or take the entire family out to a Native American-owned shop, restaurant or art gallery – ask questions and get the entire family involved!

Visit https://www.doi.gov/iacb/source-directory-arts-and-crafts-businesses to learn more – but please be mindful when exploring and make sure you’re only buying from authentic Native American businesses.