November is Native American Heritage Month, and the Indiana Learning Lab and other organizations offer resources for schools and educators who want to discuss the history and contributions of Native Americans in their classrooms.
THE Indiana Department of Natural Resources said Indiana was home to many Native American tribes like the Potawatomie, Shawnee, Delaware and Kickapoo before their removal in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The data of Indiana Department of Education shows that just over 22,000 Indiana students identified as Native American during the 2020-2021 school year. And the DNR said more than 100 tribes and cultural groups remain today throughout Indiana.
Eric Hinkle is the coordinator of educational services at the Eiteljorg Museum. He said it’s important to talk about Native American culture because it’s a part of many people’s histories.
“These are living cultures and people that are present in all of our communities right now,” he said.
The museum has a education center with resources in the upper right corner of its website. Resources include projects for children and classes taught by Native American artists from the Great Lakes region.
Classes feature arts like beading, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and paintings.
“Indigenous people, like all people, are authorities on their experiences and stories,” the website states. “When looking for materials to include in your classroom curriculum, scouting event, or after-school program, look for resources written and produced by and in collaboration with Indigenous people.
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THE Indiana Learning Lab also has resources for teachers from the National Museum of the American Indian on its website. Additionally, it provides information about the history and contributions of Native Americans on Google Slides.
NativeAmericanHeritageMonth.gov is another resource for educators who want to integrate Native American history and culture into their lessons. The website contains a teacher’s guide with lesson plan ideas that incorporate Native American culture and perspective of historical events. It also contains a local history investigation guide.
One set of lesson plans centers on the Hopi tribe, a sovereign nation located in Arizona. Classes explore Hopi culture and traditions by examining the tribe’s geographic homeland, studying poetry and figurative language, and learning how corn was used as a symbol in Hopi songs and dances.
Hinkle said anyone with questions about Native American history or culture can reach out to the Eiteljorg Museum.
“Challenge traditional standards and curricula when necessary,” the Eiteljorg website says. “Include contemporary voices in your curriculum to ensure students understand that Indigenous people are a vital part of our communities today and part of our shared future. »
Kirsten is our education reporter. Contact her at kadair@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @kirsten_adair.
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