JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — November is Native American Heritage Month. It’s a time to honor the sacrifices and contributions of Native and Indigenous people across the country.
Researchers say small groups of Indigenous families moved through our area more than 10,000 years ago and started living near the Atlantic coast some 5,000 years ago.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
There are a number of ways you can celebrate the month and learn more about local history.
The Jacksonville Public Library has several books and media items you can check out, plus events at branches across the city.
Read: Almost 1,000 pounds of expired medications were taken and destroyed in NE Florida
UNF offers a virtual museum tour exploring Indigenous history over the last 1,000 years.
In St. Augustine, there will be a free program honoring Native American Heritage Month on Nov. 16 and 17.
Read: Father dies trying to save daughter from rip current at Fernandina Beach
The Florida Department of Education, Volunteer Florida and the Seminole Tribe are also partnering to host contests for educators and students. You can explore sites along the Trail of Florida’s Indian Heritage, including some in Northeast Florida. There is also an national interactive website for Native American Heritage Month that you can check out.
You can visit the Jacksonville Public Library’s website for articles on Native American heritage https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/blog/books-honor-native-american-heritage-month
You can visit the interactive website for National Native American Heritage Month https://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/
You can explore sites along the Trail of Florida’s Indian Heritage https://www.trailoffloridasindianheritage.org/
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
Read: At least 3 explosions in fire at Brunswick chemical plant; neighborhoods evacuated
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
