Much has been said about the inspiration of the ancient Iroquois “Great League of Peace” in planting the seeds that led to the formation of the United States of America and its representative democracy.

For some Native Americans, the paths they have chosen in life - their profession, place of residence or daily rituals – actively reflect their heritage.

Welcome to Electric Chaco, a futuristic world where Indigenous people develop cities and communities that are completely sustainable and yet still adhere to Indigenous culture and traditional knowledge.

From the airwaves to the classroom, contemporary spaces are being transformed by Indigenous youth who insist on being seen and being heard. Whether learning ancestral languages, lending their voices to Native songs or partaking in the tradition of knowledge sharing, these young people continue to celebrate and preserve Indigenous heritage.

Food originally cultivated, harvested and shared by Native Americans with the rest of the world has changed modern cuisine. The impact of these contributions is especially visible at the Thanksgiving tables of Americans every year.

Think of the Three Sisters as the Holy Trinity of some Indigenous cultures, a trifecta of agricultural sustainability, and as the base of a really good soup.

Many of us have familiar rituals in our lives, specific ways we share food with family over a dinner table or traditions celebrated annually with our communities or religious institutions. For some, the act of connecting to our culture occurs while in nature.

Many of the stories submitted have focused on feeling disconnected from tradition by a series of forces. These forces are not unfamiliar to any of us.

Throughout November, PBS will highlight contributions from Indigenous people about how they, as individuals and as a community, carry on their cultural knowledge and traditions. Today we share five stories from Native Americans about they assemble in celebration of their cultural heritage.

Over the last 10 years, a new sound has emerged from American Indigenous communities, one equal parts fresh and familiar. Indigenous artists, producers, and DJs are incorporating traditional beats and instrumentation into genres like hip-hop and electronica, creating an entirely new hybrid genre. This new sound has united youth in Native American communities and beyond.