Elsewhere, Native American Heritage is celebrated for a month; in Florida it’s year-round

Miccosukee Indian Village

Open on Thursday, Nov. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

While holiday meals and family gatherings may be at the forefront of our minds this week, let’s not forget why. 

According to historians, the legendary feast we now call Thanksgiving took place in 1621 and was celebrated as a time for giving thanks during a three-day harvest festival. Attendees included about 50 Pilgrims and 90 Indians — up North.

Native American Heritage Month is now observed nationwide, and in Miami, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating indigenous culture because it’s all around you, year-round.

It is believed that indigenous people have lived in this area that we now call Miami for millennia. Originally, the Tequesta had lived along Biscayne Bay for perhaps two thousand years. Contact with them was recorded by early European visitors, but the tribe nearly disappeared by the 1800s. 

Miccosukee Indians were originally part of the Creek Nation and predated the arrival of Columbus. About 100 members of the Creek Nation who never surrendered are said to have survived the Indian Wars by hiding out in the Everglades. 

About 600 modern-day members of the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida are direct descendants of those who eluded capture and they continue to share their rich heritage, culture and customs with those interested in learning. You can read more historical data points at miccosukee.com/history, including about the Miami Circle that was unearthed in 1998 at Brickell Point.

To learn more about these facts, you can also visit the History Miami Museum website to experience their exhibits and gain a true historical perspective. View a virtual exhibit online at historymiami.org.

Admission: Adults $25, children 5-13 years $15

And mark your calendars for the annual year-end celebration of the Miccosukee Indian Arts & Crafts Festival.

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