Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) and Native American Day are meant to highlight and celebrate the history and achievements of Native, American Indian, Alaska Native, Tribal Nations, Inuit, Métis, First Nations, Aboriginal, and Indigenous peoples. It honors the history of Indigenous rights fought and won despite federal, state, and local policies of assimilation, displacement, and genocide. NAHM was first celebrated in 1986, centering around the week of November 23 to 30.
Researchers, scientists, and historians using the best of modern technology estimate that in 1491 the population of the Americas was approximately 100 million. By 1600, during the first-century post-Columbus, 90 percent of this population was gone, eliminated by the ravages brought by European imperialism and colonization. And then there was the aftermath, the brutal denouement across more than 400 years that included the birth and development of the United States. We can’t change history, but by knowing it, all of it, we can change our present and set a better path for our future.
NAHM is an opportunity to meet the needs of our Native students and families through a focus on Equity, the Whole Child, and the Power of One, as well as an opportunity to recommit to the principles of sovereignty and self-determination in communities whose children and youth have yet to receive investments in cradle-to-career essentials, such as broadband internet access, green energy, and clean water.
IDEAS & RESOURCE FOR EDUCATORS
Tribal Land Acknowledgements are interesting and illuminating for all grade levels. This resource offers information and additional links applicable to schools and communities.
The Who, What, When, Why, and How of Land Acknowledgements
For all grade levels, this FAQ from the National Museum of the American Indian will be helpful.
Similarly, this resource from the National Endowment for the Humanities EDSITEment! offers classroom lessons and resources for K-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
The National Education Association offers lessons for K-5.
As primary resources for grades 9-12 and AP, this Treaties Explorer is compelling.
In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse by Joseph Marshall, III and Jim Yellowhawk: Jimmy McLean is self-conscious about his blue eyes, fair skin, and light hair. He even worries about his last name-McLean-which doesn't sound Lakota, and is sometimes teased at middle school about being too white. Over summer, Jimmy's Grandpa takes him to visit places significant in the life of the Lakota warrior and leader Crazy Horse, who was known as Light Hair as a boy. The history of Westward expansion and the Indian Wars, including the Battle of Little Bighorn, unfolds from a Lakota perspective, rooted in the drive for survival, while Jimmy gains insight into courage and identity. Lakota author Joseph Marshall echoes the oral tradition he grew up with in Grandpa's stories about Crazy Horse. Set in italics, these are gripping accounts full of urgency that reveal the warrior's intelligence and effort to keep his people free. Light Hair, later Crazy Horse, is witness time and again to brutality, persistence, and lies of Long Knives and others. But Grandpa is not unsympathetic to the fear and discomfort of U.S. soldiers fighting the Lakota and others so far from home-war is a human story for everyone. The present-day narrative featuring Jimmy and Grandpa is less fluid, but at times unexpectedly moving. (Ages 9-12)
Wild Berries by Julie Flett: Clarence has gone blueberry-picking with his grandma since he was so little she had to carry him on her back. Now he carries his own bucket. As he picks the berries, his lips turning purple from eating them as he goes (he likes the sour ones that pop in his mouth), he takes time to notice creatures small and large: an ant, a spider, a fox sneaking by. He ends his outing with an offering of berries for the birds. The young Native boy's tradition of berry-picking is described in a spare, lyrical narrative that incorporates a word or phrase in Cree along with its English counterpart on each page. Author/illustrator Julie Flett pairs her poetic text with beautifully composed illustrations that are stylized and full of warmth. (Ages 3-6)
Native American History for Kids by Gibson, Karen Bush: Chronicling American indigenous life, this title captures the history of the complex societies that lived in North America when European explorers appeared on the continent. d. We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom (Anishinaabe, Turtle Mountain Band): A powerful picture book inspired by the Standing Rock Water Protectors, celebrating Indigenous-led movements to protect the Earth's water. (Ages 3-6) e. Rain is Not My Indian Name by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Creek Nation): This novel follows a young Native American girl grappling with loss and reconnecting with her community, providing insight into contemporary Native American life. (Ages 10+)
a. Songs of California: Native American Music from Coastal Tribes by Various Artists: A collection of traditional songs from California's coastal tribes, including the Chumash, Tongva, and Miwok. These songs reflect the deep connection between California's Indigenous peoples and their land, incorporating natural sounds like ocean waves and bird calls. It's perfect for younger students learning about local cultures.
b. Voices of California: Songs of the Cahuilla by Cahuilla Bird Singers: The Cahuilla Bird Songs are a rich tradition among the Cahuilla people of Southern California. This album features traditional Cahuilla bird singing, which tells stories of migration and the relationship between humans and nature. These songs are rhythmic and repetitive, making them accessible to children.
c. Singing the Songs of the Northern Sierra Miwok by Alan Wallace (Miwok): This album includes traditional Miwok songs from Northern California, focusing on cultural stories passed down through generations. The songs are simple and engaging, perfect for teaching younger students about the Miwok people's traditions.
d. Songs of the Earth: Native American Music of Northern California by Julian Lang (Karuk): A collection of traditional Karuk songs that are gentle and melodic, celebrating the heritage of Northern California's Karuk tribe. The album includes both ceremonial songs and those for daily life, helping kids connect with the importance of music in Indigenous culture.
e. We Are the Protectors by Chumash Children's Singers: Created specifically for kids, this album features Chumash children performing songs about environmental protection and cultural heritage. It emphasizes the role of the Chumash in protecting their land and offers a simple, engaging way for children to learn about stewardship.
f. Gather Round Songs" by Piuma Singers (Chumash and Tongva): A playful and engaging album that mixes traditional Chumash and Tongva music with storytelling. The songs are interactive and encourage participation, making it a great resource for introducing children to Native California cultures.
a. The Imagine Neighborhood-Indigenous Heroes Episodes: This podcast is focused on social-emotional learning, and some episodes feature stories of Native American heroes. (Ages 4-10)
b. Young and Indigenous: This podcast features young Indigenous leaders sharing their experiences and stories of activism and cultural preservation. It is geared towards older children and teens who want to learn about modern Native youth. (Ages 10+)
c. Little Stories for Tiny People-Native American Stories: This podcast includes calming stories, with several episodes inspired by Native American folktales. (Ages 3-8)
