Native American Heritage Month is being recognized as a time to reflect on the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in the United States. The Colorado Education Association (CEA) emphasizes the importance of this month for students and educators to learn about Indigenous communities and their lasting impact.
“CEA firmly believes that celebrating Native American Heritage Month is essential to building a more inclusive society that values all of its members and students,” according to a statement from the organization.
In classrooms, teachers are encouraged to include lessons about historical figures such as Lily Gladstone, the first Native American to win a Golden Globe for best actress; author Tommy Orange; Congresswoman Sharice Davids; Tecumseh; Po’Pay; Sitting Bull; Chief Joseph; Chipeta; and Chief Ouray. Students can also be invited to research and write land acknowledgements recognizing Indigenous peoples as original stewards of the land.
The CEA suggests exploring literature by Native American authors at all grade levels. For example, recommended books include “I Love Salmon and Lampreys” by Brook M. Thompson for elementary students, “On a Wing and a Tear” by Cynthia Leitich Smith for middle grades, and “Where Wolves Don’t Die” by Anton Treuer for young adults. Resources like Colorín Colorado offer book lists tailored for different age groups with stories focusing on family, nature, cultural traditions, and identity.
Art education can feature Native American artists such as textile artists Marie Watt and Jeffrey Gibson, digital photographer Cara Romero, or collage artist Juane Quick-to-See Smith. Museums like the Smithsonian American Art Museum provide online access to collections featuring Indigenous artists.
Music is another focus during Native American Heritage Month. Tribes across North America have unique musical traditions involving various instruments and dance styles. Powwows continue these traditions today with drumming, singing, and dancing that honor ancestors and community.
Educators are provided with resources from organizations including NEA Teaching Resources, History Colorado, PBS Lesson Plans, Smithsonian Learning Lab, National Museum of the American Indian, US Department of the Interior – Indian Affairs, Library of Congress research guides (https://www.loc.gov/item/2002719520/), Smithsonian American Art Museum’s list of artworks (https://americanart.si.edu/art/highlights/native-american-art), National Gallery of Art’s art audio/video files (https://www.nga.gov/audio-video.html), NPR Tiny Desk Concert Series – Celebrating Native American Music (https://www.npr.org/series/tiny-desk-concerts/), University of Colorado-Colorado Springs NAHM music resources (https://uccs.edu/native-american-heritage-month/music-resources), NEA Read Across America book list (https://www.readacrossamerica.org/books/native-american-heritage-month), Colorín Colorado book list (https://www.colorincolorado.org/booklist/native-american-books-kids).
The CEA notes that honoring Native Americans should extend beyond November through year-round learning about their voices, history accuracy in teaching materials, language preservation efforts, cultural practices support, and respect for tribal sovereignty.
