Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day with Engaging, Cost-Free Lessons and Activities for a Notable Experience
Explore a variety of rich and culturally sensitive resources that go beyond Indigenous Peoples Day, offering students a nuanced and engaging education about the diverse cultures of Indigenous peoples.
Native Knowledge 360°
The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian's Native Knowledge 360° offers a wealth of free, interactive virtual field trips, workshops, and teaching materials. Emphasising the uplifting of Native voices, it includes professional development and authentic primary sources to engage students critically 1, 5.
California Department of Education Resources
The California Department of Education provides a comprehensive set of teaching materials focusing on Indigenous histories, cultures, and current perspectives, suitable for all grades (pre-K through 12). These include videos, webinars, and culturally relevant lesson plans such as "Ka’m-t’em: A Journey Toward Healing" and resources addressing Indigenous students’ experiences in schools [1].
Anishinabek Nation’s Foundational Knowledge Lesson Plans
The Anishinabek Nation's lesson plans incorporate experiential land-based learning, language arts, science, Indigenous materials, and values such as the Seven Sacred Teachings. They offer age-appropriate mini-lessons with activities and discussion prompts supporting engagement and deep understanding of Indigenous worldviews [3].
Indian Youth’s Cultural Preservation Guide
Highlighting the significance of oral traditions, storytelling, arts, and crafts as living cultural expressions, this guide supports meaningful connection to tribal histories and social structures. Incorporating these elements into education fosters a well-rounded and respectful approach to Indigenous content [2].
Library and Research Guides
Access a broad range of books, articles, videos, and reputable terminology resources with Library and Research Guides. The Native American Studies Research Guide, for example, is a valuable tool for educators seeking a well-rounded and respectful approach to Indigenous content [4].
Additional Resources
- A Cheyenne Odyssey Role Playing Game: An immersive game that combines history of the Cheyenne people with adventurous gameplay.
- "Coyote Story": A beautifully animated Chippewa story, spoken in the Ojibwe tradition.
- "This Photo Isn't What It Looks Like": A video that investigates the true meaning of a misunderstood 1916 photograph of Piegan Blackfeet tribe leader Mountain Chief.
- "Why the U.S. celebrates Columbus Day": A video report that answers questions about the origins and mythology surrounding Columbus Day.
- "The Complete History Of Indigenous America Before Colonialism": A three-hour long video history of pre-Columbian Native American life, narrated by Indigenous Canadian actor, playwright, and physician Dr. Evan Adams.
These resources, pedagogically rich and culturally sensitive, promote Indigenous self-representation. They encourage ongoing learning throughout the year rather than limiting education to Indigenous Peoples Day. Incorporating storytelling, art, experiential activities, and critical examination of history ensures students receive a balanced and engaging education about Indigenous Peoples and their diverse cultures 1, 2, 3, 5.
- The Native Knowledge 360° platform from the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian provides professional development opportunities, featuring interactive virtual field trips and authentic primary sources to support critically informed learning about Indigenous cultures.
- The Indian Youth’s Cultural Preservation Guide emphasizes the importance of oral traditions, storytelling, arts, and crafts, promoting a meaningful connection to tribal histories and social structures for well-rounded and respectful Indigenous education.
- The Anishinabek Nation’s Foundational Knowledge Lesson Plans integrate experiential land-based learning, language arts, science, Indigenous materials, and values such as the Seven Sacred Teachings for age-appropriate, engaging lessons about Indigenous worldviews.
- Library and Research Guides offer a wide variety of books, articles, videos, and terminology resources, alongside tools like the Native American Studies Research Guide for a well-rounded and respectful approach to Indigenous content in education.
- The California Department of Education provides educational resources tailored to all grade levels, which includes videos, webinars, and culturally relevant lesson plans like "Ka’m-t’em: A Journey Toward Healing," aiming to foster a more nuanced and engaging perspective on Indigenous peoples' diverse cultures.
- The A Cheyenne Odyssey Role Playing Game is an immersive and educational experience that combines adventure with historical insights into the lives of the Cheyenne people.
- The video "Coyote Story" provides a beautifully animated rendering of a Chippewa story, presented according to the Ojibwe tradition.
- Incorporating storytelling, art, and experiential activities, resources like "This Photo Isn't What It Looks Like" video and "The Complete History Of Indigenous America Before Colonialism" video, offer a balanced, engaging education about Indigenous peoples and their diverse cultures, extending learning beyond Indigenous Peoples Day.
