November has always felt like one of the most spiritually and metaphorically charged times of the year. Every time I come across a reference to falling leaves or the growing cold in books or movies, I instantly know what it means — change, release, and reflection.

When November arrives, I can feel the tangible shift: shorter days, longer nights, and a gentle push to stay inside, slow down, and turn inward. Across cultures, this time has marked harvest festivals celebrating the fruits of the earth, honoring the delicate balance between abundance and rest.

Even the shift from October’s bright orange leaves and silly Halloween costumes, to suddenly finding yourself on the first cold Monday in November, wearing a dense coat you had to dig up is quite jarring. But it is a reminder that we do not appreciate the good warm and fuzzy parts of life if we do not allow a frigid cold to sting our noses.

🪶 Honoring Native American Heritage Month

November is also Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the culture, traditions, and achievements of the First Peoples of this land. I begin this month with gratitude — honoring Native American communities for their enduring wisdom and sacred connection to the Earth.

Their teachings remind us to walk gently, to give thanks, and to recognize that the land is not something we own — but something we are entrusted to care for.

🌿 Our Connection to Chief Katonah and the Lenape People

Did you know our little hamlet of Katonah, NY is named after Chief Katonah, a respected leader of the Lenape people? The very land we live on, grow our plants on, and raise our children on was once home to the Lenape tribe — the original stewards of this sacred valley.

We acknowledge that Majestic Hudson rests and serves on the traditional homelands of the Ramapoo/Ramapough Tribal Nation and other Indigenous peoples of the Hudson Valley, including the Munsee Lenape, Wappinger, and Mohican Nations.

We honor their sacred stewardship, recognize the history of displacement, and commit to continued awareness, respect, and accountability. With deep gratitude to Indigenous Elders for their wisdom and care for this land.

⚡ The Legend of Chief Katonah

So, now where do we fit into this narrative? Right in the middle. The land we live on, and grow our plants on, and raise our children on is the same land that Indigenous people did the same exact things.

Chief Katonah's Mark. 

Old English records describe Chief Katonah as “Sachem, the Chief of the Confederation of the Rampoo Indians… within Her Majesty’s province of New York.” Some might even say he was a kind of royalty — though he himself believed the Earth belonged to no one.

Crazy Lore: According to local legend, Chief Katonah’s wife, Cantito, and their son were tragically struck by lightning and killed. Heartbroken, Chief Katonah passed soon after, and it’s said that all three were buried in Katonah Woods, right here in our town.

If you wish to honor their memory and pay respects to the land:

Travel south about 1.5 miles from the intersection of Routes 35 and 22 in Katonah. Turn right onto Katonah Woods Road and continue about 0.3 miles. At the small fork in the road, park across from the mailbox marked “D. Adams.” Walk 100 steps up the right branch of the fork. On your left, you’ll find three large boulders — the largest marking Chief Katonah, the smallest his son.

If you visit, take a quiet moment. Listen to the wind. Notice the birds. Offer gratitude for the people who loved this land long before us — and especially to Chief Katonah and his family.

🌎 Why Preserving Native American Heritage Matters

Native American culture is vast, diverse, and deeply spiritual — with over 500 recognized tribes across the United States, each with unique languages, ceremonies, and traditions. These living cultures hold profound wisdom about balance, community, and harmony with nature.

Honoring Native American Heritage Month is more than remembrance; it’s about listening, learning, and preserving. Raising awareness and supporting Native American communities is essential to addressing these contemporary economic, social, and ENVIRONMENTAL issues. The way Native people interact with the land is so special and with the utmost care, and we should always take their advice. Here, we have a commitment to recognizing Indigenous voices, supporting their sovereignty, and celebrating their ongoing contributions to our shared human story.

Running Strong for American Indian Youth® is one organization making an everyday, sustainable impact on Native American communities. Supporting programs like Running Strong can greatly benefit Native American communities and ensure their culture and traditions are preserved. 

✨ This is only Part One of our series, The Spirituality of November: Honoring Native Wisedom During Native American Heritage Month. Stay tuned for reflections on gratitude, transformation, and the sacred rhythm of winter’s approach.