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 and Resources for Educators  

• LACOE's Ethnic Studies Symposium Series: Native American Studies -
  April 23, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.             

Deepen your knowledge and understanding of the history, culture, struggles, and contributions to American society of the Gabrielino-Tongva community to prepare you to teach Ethnic Studies and commemorate Native American heritage all year long.  This event will be held at the Kuruyvungna Village Springs and Cultural Center, a heritage site of the Gabrielino-Tongva tribe.  Native speakers include Mona Recalde, Marco Recalde, Kimberly Johnson, and Samantha Johnson.  

Visit our registration site to learn more about the event.

• LACOE Board Resolution
• 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.