Although today marks the end of American Indian Heritage Month there’s no end to the issues confronting indigenous peoples and I will continue to share my thoughts about topics—some critical, some lighthearted—from an Indian lens.

My argument during American Indian Heritage Month is that—by naming one day or month to honor Natives—we gain permission to avoid talking about issues that affect us the rest of the year.

When I worked as a reporter we liked special days and months: President’s Day gave us an opportunity to reflect on politics and an excuse to run department store sales, while Arbor Day gave us permission to talk about trees.

Reporters and editors look for pegs to hook stories, and American Indian Heritage Month affords just such an opportunity.

But I want to encourage you to rotate the prism of your vision—when an issue arises that piques your interest ask whether you might consider whether an indigenous perspective might afford a different look.

And then consider a somewhat different perspective.

[Blog 25 in honor of Native American Heritage Month.]