The City celebrates and honors Native American Heritage Month in November with an educational presentation and proclamation highlighting the culture, heritage, and achievements of our Native American neighbors.

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultural traditions and proud ancestry of Native Americans and recognize the vital contributions they have made and continue to make to the art, history, traditions and diversity of our society.

Native American Heritage Week (November 23 to 30) was first recognized in 1986 during the Reagan administration and was expanded to Native American Heritage Month in 1990 under President George H.W. Bush. American Indian Heritage Day is celebrated on the fourth Friday of November in the state of Maryland.

Native and indigenous people have significantly contributed to the rich fabric of history and culture we celebrate in our community. The Native American community makes up about 2.9 percent of the population in the United States, with the 2020 Census indicating that a little less than one percent of the City’s population identify themselves as American Indian or Native Alaskan, up from .5 percent in 2010.

The mission of the Multicultural Affairs Committee is to enrich our City through the promotion of understanding, respect, and appreciation of the many cultures of Gaithersburg. Interested in volunteering and helping plan Heritage Month celebrations? Please email MAC@gaithersburgmd.gov.