Every year, November marks Native American Heritage Month, a time intended to celebrate and recognize the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American people. As educators and individuals committed to lifelong learning, it’s crucial to ask ourselves: What Do People Learn About Native Americans, and is it enough? While dedicating a month to this recognition is a start, genuine understanding requires a commitment that extends far beyond a single month or event. It demands that we center and amplify Native American and Indigenous voices throughout the entire year.
My personal journey as a Diné woman has highlighted the critical need for comprehensive education about Native Americans. Growing up, I often found myself the sole Native American student in my classes. Despite my heritage and upbringing within the Navajo Nation during my early childhood, my peers and teachers often lacked even basic knowledge about Native peoples. This experience, shared by many Indigenous individuals, underscores the persistent gap in public understanding. It’s this gap that necessitates a continuous effort to learn and educate ourselves and others about Native Americans, moving beyond superficial acknowledgements to substantive engagement with their stories and realities.
Despite the increasing visibility of Native American Heritage Month, misconceptions remain stubbornly prevalent. One of the most pervasive is the erroneous belief that Native Americans are a people of the past, somehow vanished from the contemporary landscape. This notion is often coupled with incredulity when encountering Native people in modern society. This ongoing ignorance highlights a significant failure in education and public discourse. It’s not simply about correcting factual errors; it’s about dismantling deeply ingrained stereotypes and fostering a recognition of Native Americans as vibrant, living cultures with ongoing histories and contemporary relevance.
The problem isn’t just a lack of awareness; it’s often rooted in miseducation. Traditional curricula frequently present a limited and often distorted view of Native American history, focusing on pre-colonial times or framing Native Americans solely through the lens of historical victimhood. This approach neglects the resilience, innovation, and ongoing struggles and triumphs of Native communities. To truly understand what do people learn about Native Americans, we must critically examine the narratives being taught and actively seek out accurate, comprehensive, and Indigenous-led educational resources.
One striking example of this systemic erasure is the “Something Else Month” phenomenon. As highlighted by Seminole artist Alisa Douglas, mainstream media outlets have, at times, categorized Indigenous voters and concerns as “something else,” effectively rendering them invisible within broader societal narratives. This symbolic marginalization reflects a larger pattern of overlooking Native American perspectives and contributions. However, the response to this, with initiatives like “Something Else & Proud,” demonstrates the powerful resistance and determination of Native communities to assert their presence and demand recognition. With nearly 10 million Americans identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native, it’s clear that Native peoples are a significant and vital part of the American fabric.
So, what should people learn about Native Americans? The answer is multifaceted and requires ongoing engagement. It begins with acknowledging that we are all on Native land. Utilizing resources like the Native Land interactive map is a crucial first step in understanding the Indigenous history of the places we inhabit. Learning about Indigenous land acknowledgements is not merely symbolic; it’s a tangible act of recognizing the enduring connection of Native peoples to their ancestral territories and the historical context of colonization and displacement.
Furthermore, learning about Native Americans necessitates engaging directly with Native voices and resources. This means seeking out and amplifying the work of Native educators, scholars, artists, and community leaders. It involves consulting websites and resources created and endorsed by Native Nations and communities themselves. Attending public events hosted by Native American communities, such as powwows and art exhibitions, provides valuable opportunities for cultural exchange and learning.
When delving into complex and often painful aspects of Native American history, such as the trauma of Native American boarding schools, it’s imperative to rely on credible sources like the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. Staying informed about contemporary Native American issues and social movements is equally important. This includes following news from Indigenous media outlets and supporting initiatives like the push for a federal Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies.
The language we use and the perspectives we adopt are paramount. It’s vital to move away from outdated and harmful tropes, such as the “vanishing Indian” narrative or romanticized portrayals of Native American cultures. Instead, we must recognize Native Americans as dynamic, resilient peoples with contemporary cultures and aspirations. Learning about Native Americans should not be confined to historical accounts of victimhood; it must also celebrate the strength, perseverance, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous communities.
In the Diné philosophy, “Walk in Beauty” (Hózhó) signifies seeking balance and harmony in all aspects of life. Extending our learning about Native American peoples beyond a single month, and genuinely listening to and learning from Native voices, guides us and our students towards a path of understanding, respect, and ultimately, hózhó. By embracing this continuous journey of learning, we can move beyond superficial celebrations and cultivate a deeper, more meaningful appreciation for the enduring legacy and vibrant present of Native American peoples.
Native American Heritage: Essential Resources for Continued Learning
Mapping Indigenous Lands:
- Native Land: https://native-land.ca/
Organizations Offering Educational Resources:
- National Indian Education Association: https://www.niea.org/
- Indigenous History and Literacy Project: https://academics.nsuok.edu/history/INDIGENOUSHISTORYANDLITERACYPROJECT.aspx
- Turtle Island Social Studies Collective: https://www.turtleislandsocialstudies.com/
- National Museum of the American Indian: https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360
- National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition: https://boardingschoolhealing.org/
- Native Governance Center (Land Acknowledgement): https://nativegov.org/news/a-guide-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgment/
Interactive Learning & Lesson Plans from Native Nations:
- Chickasaw Nation Curriculum: https://chickasaw.net/Our-Nation/History/Chickasaw-Nation-Curriculum.aspx
- Citizen Potawatomi Nation Classroom Resources: https://www.potawatomiheritage.com/classroom/
Podcasts on Indigenous Issues & Culture:
- Native Circles: https://nativecirclespodcast.com/
- This Land: https://crooked.com/podcast-series/this-land/
- All My Relations: https://www.allmyrelationspodcast.com/
Blogs & Web Resources:
- American Indians in Children’s Literature (Debbie Reese): https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/
- Best Picture Books by and About American Indians (Indianapolis Public Library): https://indypl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1283534557/1742977679
