During the month of November, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month by recognizing the contributions of Indigenous Americans in history and culture.
Here are some library books from our collection and free videos from the Described and Captioned Media Program that can be checked out or accessed:
Library books
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People by Debbie Reese
A history of the United States for young people told from the perspective of Indigenous peoples, revealing how Native Americans, for centuries, actively resisted expansion of the U.S. empire. (Young Adult)
Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac
Navajo Code Talkers were a crucial part of the U.S. effort during World War Two, sending messages back and forth in an unbreakable code that used their native language. The Navajo Marines saved countless American lives, yet these brave soldiers weren't able to tell anyone--not even their families---about their contribution. Until now. (Middle Grades)
Pocahontas by Lucia Raatma
A biography of Pocahontas, the daughter of a Native American chief, discussing her attempts to help English settlers get along with her people, her capture by the English, her marriage to John Rolfe, and her death in England (Elementary Grades)
Squanto: a Friend to the Pilgrims by Carol Ghiglieri
Describes the life of Squanto, a Wampanoag Indian who helped the Pilgrims survive in the New World. (Elementary Grades)
We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorrell
The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Written by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, this look at one group of Native Americans is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah--Amazon. (Elementary Grades)
Videos from the Described and Captioned Media Program
"Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message"
Speaking in English and Mohawk, Chief Jake Swamp narrates a traditional Native American Thanksgiving address of peace and appreciation of mother earth, all her inhabitants, and her gifts of animals, weather, and the heavens. Based on his book by the same name. (Grade Level: K-4)
"All About the Holidays: Native American Heritage Month"
This video honors the indigenous people living in the United States before the arrival of the Europeans. In November, the United States honors and celebrates the customs and legacy of Native Americans. A good springboard for further discussion or research projects (Grades 4 - 8)
"Indian Hand Talk"
James Woodenlegs first learned to communicate using Plains Indians Sign Language from his family, growing up on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana. Also known as “hand talk,” the language has been used by both deaf and hearing Indians from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico for at least 200 years, possibly much longer. Woodenlegs is working with sign language scholars Jeffrey Davis and Melanie McKay-Cody to document and preserve hand talk, one of thousands of the world’s endangered languages. (Middle and High School)