| ARTEFFECT recognizes November as National Native American Heritage Month by spotlighting the extraordinary legacies of Indigenous people throughout American history. Through their contributions across varied disciplines, these four Unsung Heroes made positive impacts on the course of history.
Learn more about their extraordinary stories and view ARTEFFECT projects on these individuals:
- Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott (1919-2010) was a pioneering Native Hawaiian scientist who revolutionized marine botany and connected traditional knowledge with modern science.
- Oscar Howe (1915-1983) was a modernist painter and arts educator who challenged art institutions’ preconceptions about Native American artwork. challenged stereotypes in modern art and redefined artistic boundaries around Native American art.
- Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte (1865-1915) was the first Native American to earn a medical degree in the United States was the first Native and broke barriers as the first Native American to earn a Medical Degree in the United States.
- Chester Nez (1921-2014) was one of the “First Twenty-Nine” Navajo Code Talkers and veteran of World War II and the Korean War helped develop an encrypted communication system for the U.S. military.
Through the ARTEFFECT competition, students consider, interpret, and create original artworks that champion the LMC Unsung Heroes as role models. The competition is accepting submission in various 2D & 3D media from students in grades 6-12 worldwide through April 21, 2026. |
