Discover resources to celebrate Native American Heritage Month in your classroom, honoring Indigenous cultures, contributions, and histories year-round.
November is Native American Heritage Month, an important time to honor the rich history, cultures, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples.
As educators, this month offers an opportunity to engage students in meaningful conversations, activities, and learning experiences that celebrate Indigenous history and perspectives—far beyond the surface-level narratives often found in textbooks.
It’s important to highlight not only the hardships Native peoples endured at the hands of American settlers, but also the rich cultures, innovations, and accomplishments Indigenous people achieved independently, from advanced agricultural techniques to complex governance systems and artistic traditions that continue to influence the world today.
Native American Heritage Month Resources for Teachers
To help teachers incorporate these lessons into their classrooms, here are some valuable resources to explore:
National Museum of the American Indian
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) offers an extensive array of teaching resources, including virtual field trips, lesson plans, and multimedia content. The Native Knowledge 360° initiative is particularly useful, as it provides accurate, culturally appropriate information about Native American history and contemporary life. The site also features specific lesson plans tailored to various grade levels, including topics like the Trail of Tears, the significance of treaties, and Indigenous innovations.
Explore the National Museum of the American Indian’s resources here: National Museum of the American Indian
Project 562
Project 562 is a multimedia platform by Indigenous artist Matika Wilbur, “dedicated to changing the way the world sees Native America”. Teachers can use the powerful visuals and narratives from this project to initiate discussions about the diversity and vitality of modern Native communities. This resource works well for art, social studies, and language arts classrooms looking to integrate contemporary Indigenous voices.
Learn more about Project 562: Project 562
PBS Learning Media: Native American Stories
PBS Learning Media provides an engaging collection of videos, lesson plans, and interactive content for students of all ages. Topics range from Native American storytelling traditions to contemporary issues like sovereignty, identity, and the environment. These multimedia resources are perfect for visual learners and can be used to introduce Native perspectives across a variety of subjects, including literature, science, and social studies.
Access PBS LearningMedia’s Native American Heritage Month resources here: https://www.gpb.org/georgiastories/collection/native-americans
Books by Native American Authors
Incorporating literature written by Native authors is a powerful way to bring Native perspectives into your classroom. Below are some highly recommended books for various grade levels:
- Elementary: Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard
- Middle School: The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich
- High School: There There by Tommy Orange
Encourage your students to read these works as part of class discussions, book reports, or independent reading projects to build a deeper understanding of Native American experiences.
IllumiNative: Changing the Narrative about Native Americans
IllumiNative’s provides multiple guides that act as robust resources to help educators challenge harmful stereotypes and engage students with authentic Native American stories and experiences. These guides include practical teaching strategies, discussion questions, and activities designed to promote critical thinking and cultural respect.
Visit IllumiNative’s website at: IllumiNative
More resources from The Educator Academy:
Incorporating Native American Resources Year-Round
While Native American Heritage Month is an important time to highlight Indigenous histories and contributions, it’s essential to incorporate Native American resources throughout the entire school year.
Native American history is American history, and integrating Indigenous perspectives into your regular curriculum helps students develop a deeper understanding of Native cultures, contemporary issues, and historical context.
By including Native authors, lesson plans, and Indigenous-centered discussions in various subjects like social studies, literature, and art, you ensure that students see Native American contributions as an integral part of their learning experience all year long.