Native American Heritage Month
National Native American Heritage Month celebrates the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities to ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.
Description and History
First Nations Development Institute celebrates how Native communities continue to grow and thrive, guided by deep-rooted knowledge, cultural values, and a commitment to future generations. This resource contains historical details and involvement opportunities for National Native American Heritage Month. It also has a knowledge center, ways to give, and videos/guides to use with students.
Professional Learning Resources
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month with Library of Congress Resources
Online workshops and learning experiences; exhibits, art, and collections; and an educator section curated by the Library of Congress.
Native American Heritage Month
Events and activities curated by the Smithsonian Institution.
Native Land Digital
A searchable and interactive map of Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages. This map is created by an Indigenous-led non-profit organization and aims to raise awareness and provide educational resources about Indigenous cultures worldwide.
American Indians in Children’s Literature
A database organized by Dr. Debbie Reese with reviews, lists, articles, and posts about the issues in children’s literature related to Native and Indigenous representation and reviews of literature which is both problematic and excellent.
American Indian Youth Literature Award
The American Indian Youth Literature Award is given in even-numbered years to authors and illustrators for their work in picture books, middle grade and young adult categories.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Educational resources from the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. These resources include interviews, archives, and a special collection relating to the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico.
TeacherVision: November is Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month Activities, Lesson Plans, and Printables
Learner Engagement Resources
Indigenous Reads Rising
From We Need Diverse Books, Indigenous Reads Rising is a website dedicated to Indigenous children’s literature. The site includes book lists, articles from Native authors and educators, and best practices for teaching.
Dancing with Traditions
Becca Munson, a blogger for Knowledge Quest, shares lesson ideas, books, and videos to use in connecting dance with Native American traditions.
Places to Take Your Students During Native American Heritage Month
This curated list provides educators with various historic sites and museums to visit to provide a learning experience for students.
Mohegan Tribe Artifacts and Learner Resources
The Mohegan Tribe provides an engaging and expansive library of videos, pictures, stories, and history of the Native people of New England. More resources are available by registering with their education coordinator.
Book Lists
Visual Book Lists
These visual book lists include reading recommendations for all grade bands of students. Use them as is or customize them by swapping out titles for ones your library owns.
Native American Children’s Literature
This book list, created by the First Nations Development Institute provides recommended reads for preschool all the way through 12th grade. The list also includes graphic novels and a list of ways for educators to promote Native American Heritage Month.
Native Voices: A Curated List of 2024 Titles Featuring Native American Stories
School Library Journal’s 2024 curated list highlights engaging titles for all ages, perfect for celebrating Native voices this month and beyond.
AICL - American Indian in Children's Literature
Curated list by Dr. Debbie Reese of children’s books that represent native Americans and the culture.
