SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It's National Native American Heritage Month and cities across the country are paying tribute to all they do, including here in western Massachusetts. A special day for native Americans was held here in western Massachusetts as the City of Springfield held a flag raising to honor them. Since the early 2000s, The City of Springfield has been recognizing Native Americans, as the first shepherds of the land. Mayor Sarno and City Councilor Delagado gathered the community for a flag-raising to honor them during National Native American Heritage Month. "It gives us recognition for our cultural continuity here and as a minority were given that representation so that were all seen," says Jus Crea Giammarino of Springfield. Gloria Peeler with the Native American Inter-Tribal Council says it is important to never forget their history, "There are over 500 distinct native American nations across the entire United States we have been here for over 14,000 years. We acknowledge this place and the Indigenous people from here, Connecticut is also an Abenaki word in our language that connects us to this Abinacki sense of place." November is a reminder to honor the traditions, languages, and stories of Native Americans. "Fight for liberties and fight for the country you grew up in, its time for a new type of conservatism. Conserving air, water, and the freedoms we grew up with," Peeler adds. If you ever get the chance to visit Washington DC, locals encourage people to check out the Native American Museum. They say it is one of a kind and full of history. Local News Headlines Springfield honors Native American’s with flag raising event New Parker Street traffic lane raises concerns in Springfield One local group walks from Springfield to Greenfield to raise money for the hungry Electricity across New England will be in high demand this Thursday WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.