This month, Alignment Leadership honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples, and the Native leaders shaping our workplaces, communities, and economy today.
Alignment Leadership is based in the New York City area, within Lenapehoking, the ancestral homeland of the Lenape people. We honor the Lenape and all Indigenous peoples who continue to live, work, and lead here.
The effort to formally honor Native peoples began over a hundred years ago, and it began here in New York. Today, the month is a time to celebrate Native cultures and contributions, and to learn the histories and present-day realities of the more than 570 sovereign tribal nations in the United States.
The day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 27, is Native American Heritage Day.
The first American Indian Day is celebrated in May, in New York.
President George H.W. Bush signs a joint congressional resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month.
Congress designates the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day.
The month is observed nationwide by government, schools, employers, and communities as Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month.
people in the U.S. identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, alone or in combination
federally recognized tribal nations
American Indian and Alaska Native veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces
in annual receipts from 47,500+ Native-owned employer businesses
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020 Census; Facts for Features 2025; 2023 Annual Business Survey); Bureau of Indian Affairs
Native professionals remain among the least represented groups in corporate and philanthropic leadership. That isn't a reflection of capability. It reflects access, networks, and who gets invited into the room.
of S&P 500 board seats are held by American Indian and Alaska Native directors
of board members at America's largest foundations are Native American
of America's largest foundations have no Native American board representation at all
Sources: Spencer Stuart Board Index, via ICT; First Nations Development Institute, 2024
The Smithsonian's museum, with free admission at its New York location in Lower Manhattan.
The oldest and largest national organization representing tribal governments.
Research and investment strengthening Native economies and communities.
Supporting Native-owned businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide.
Building the pipeline of Indigenous students and professionals in science and engineering.
Independent, Native-led news covering Indian Country and beyond.
At Alignment Leadership, coaching starts from your strengths, your values, and your story. For Native professionals, that means leadership development that doesn't ask you to set aside identity, community, or culture to advance.
We work with Native professionals, veterans, and entrepreneurs navigating promotions, career transitions, and growing businesses. We also partner with organizations committed to building leadership pipelines where everyone has a fair path to the table.
Whether you're preparing for a promotion, navigating a career transition, or growing a business, a complimentary Clarity Session is a space to talk through where you are and what you want next, on your terms.
Whether you're navigating your next career move or building a more inclusive leadership team, start with a complimentary Clarity Session.
Book Your Complimentary Clarity Session