Gaithersburg, MD - The City of Gaithersburg 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.

An official proclamation designating November 2023 as “Native American Heritage Month” in the City of Gaithersburg was presented at the October 16 Mayor and City Council meeting. View the presentation here.

The City’s Multicultural Affairs Committee presents a month-long educational display at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park. The exhibit explores the history of Maryland’s native lands and features the Sugarloaf Regional Trails, points of interest, trail map, and historical information and photos of artifacts. The display also shares noteworthy achievements in weaving, painting, pottery making, narrative storytelling, and songs, chants, and poetry used for rituals and ceremonies. Visitor will also learn about how Native Americans cultivated many of the world's most important crops, including beans, squash, potatoes, and tomatoes. Viewing hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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 US government officially recognizes 574 tribes in the contiguous 48 states and Alaska. In Maryland, there are residents who represent these Nations as well as some of the more than 500 tribes from Latin America and the Caribbean. The Nation most closely associated with the boundaries of today’s Montgomery County are the Piscataway. The state of Maryland officially recognized the Piscataway Conoy Tribe and the Piscataway Indian Nation in 2012.

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 [email protected].