Native American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in the United States. The Colorado Education Association (CEA) encourages educators and students to use this month to learn about Native communities and their impact on the country.
The CEA states that the observance is “a reminder to reflect on the past, acknowledge the ongoing impact of colonization, and honor the resilience and wisdom of Native communities that continue to thrive today.” According to CEA, celebrating Native American Heritage Month is important for creating a more inclusive society.
In classrooms, teachers can incorporate lessons about key historical figures such as Lily Gladstone (Piegan Blackfeet and Nez Perce), Tommy Orange (Cheyenne, Arapaho), Sharice Davids (Ho-Chunk), Tecumseh (Shawnee), Po’Pay (Tewa Pueblo), Sitting Bull (Teton Dakota), Chief Joseph (Nez Percé), Chipeta (Kiowa Apache), and Chief Ouray (Tabeguache/Uncompahgre Ute). These lessons aim to give students a broader understanding of American history by including Indigenous perspectives.
Students are also encouraged to write land acknowledgements for their schools. This activity involves recognizing Indigenous peoples as original stewards of the land. According to CEA, this helps students understand whose land they are on and consider ways they can support Native communities.
Literature by Native authors is another focus. The National Education Association’s Read Across America program recommends books such as “I Love Salmon and Lampreys” by Brook M. Thompson for elementary readers, “On a Wing and a Tear” by Cynthia Leitich Smith for middle grade students, and “Where Wolves Don’t Die” by Anton Treuer for young adults. Resources like ColorÃn Colorado provide book lists categorized by age group that highlight family stories, cultural traditions, nature themes, and identity.
Art is highlighted through studies of artists like Marie Watt (Seneca), Jeffrey Gibson (Choctaw/Cherokee), Cara Romero (Chemehuevi), and Juane Quick-to-See Smith (Salish). Museums such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum feature collections that include works from Indigenous artists. The National Gallery of Art also offers audio presentations and video lessons related to Native art.
Music plays a role in these celebrations as well. Different tribes have distinct musical traditions: Plains tribes use drums and vocals; Hopi and Navajo play flutes; Pueblo communities sing in harmony; Pacific Northwest tribes use carved drums; Southeast tribes combine singing with stomp dances. Powwows continue these traditions today with drummers, singers, and dancers from many nations performing together.
The CEA concludes that learning from Indigenous voices throughout the year supports efforts to preserve languages, traditions, sovereignty, and accurate history education: “We can honor Indigenous peoples by learning from their voices, teaching accurate history, and supporting efforts to preserve and revitalize their languages, traditions, and sovereignty all year long.”
Resources for educators include NEA Teaching Resources; History Colorado; PBS Lesson Plans; Smithsonian Learning Lab; National Museum of the American Indian online resources; US Department of the Interior – Indian Affairs; Library of Congress research guides; NPR Tiny Desk Concert Series – Celebrating Native American Music; University of Colorado-Colorado Springs NAHM music resources.
