Native American Heritage Month

By Allison Todd & Stacey Coles

November marks National Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate Indigenous peoples’ rich traditions, history, and cultures across the Americas.

Exposure to diverse opinions, thoughts, and cultural backgrounds prepares children of all ages for diverse workplaces and social encounters and fosters empathy and an open mind. For families, November is a wonderful opportunity to engage in meaningful activities that deepen understanding and appreciation of Native American heritage.

Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) honors Native American Heritage Month this November by sharing books to read, providing resources to learn from, and hosting events that celebrate the important contributions of Native Americans and their diverse heritage.

Here’s how you can actively celebrate this month with your family.

Attend Local Events

One of the best ways to immerse your family in Native American culture is by attending events that bring history and traditions to life. Check out your nearest AACPL branch for educational and fun activities like these:

• Native Voices with Domie Thomason (Broadneck Library): First told to her by her grandmother, these traditional stories about animals and hero/tricksters, shared by Domie Thomason, provide a clearer understanding of the values and cultures of the diverse First Nations of North America.
• Science of Native Life (Deale Library): Learn about the science of Native life with hands-on activities provided by educators from Jefferson Patterson Park. Find out how a wigwam stands up, how fletching helps arrows fly, how Native American people made paint, and more!
• Powow Dance with Miss Chief Rocka (Glen Burnie Library): Step into the world of Native American Dance with Miss Chief Rocka as she performs traditional & storytelling dances steeped in cultural richness and rhythmic exploration. Join her for an empowering journey into the heart of Powwow culture, where every step is a celebration of resilience and creativity.
• Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers (Odenton Library): The Piscataway were the first Native Americans to encounter Captain John Smith along the banks of the Potomac River in 1608.
  Today, the Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers carry on the long standing traditions, culture and heritage of their indigenous ancestors.

For a full list of events with the Anne Arundel County Library, visit the Native American Heritage Month webpage.

Learn Together

Expand your family’s knowledge of Native American history and cultures through a variety of digital resources:

• Biographical Exploration: Use your library’s biography database to learn about influential Native American figures like Sitting Bull, Chief Joseph, and Sacagawea.
• Dive into History: Explore Native Americans’ role in U.S. history through specialized databases that offer a deeper understanding of their contributions and experiences.
• Understand Cultural Issues: Access information on Native American rights, social issues, and cultural differences using Diversity Studies and Opposing Viewpoints databases.
• Watch Films: Stream movies featuring Native American actors and stories via platforms like Kanopy, bringing the vibrancy of Indigenous cultures to your screen.
• Local Indigenous History: Learn about the history of local Native and Indigenous peoples using the Guide to Indigenous Maryland, and explore archaeological discoveries with the Native American Archaeology in Anne Arundel County Heritage Toolbox.

Read Books by Native American Authors

Reading is a fantastic way to connect with Native American cultures and perspectives. AACPL offers a wide selection of books by Native American authors for readers of all ages:

• Check out our booklists for children, teens and adults. Our selections include thought-provoking novels, memoirs, and historical accounts that offer insight into the Native American experience. Plus,
  the children’s books make it easy to introduce young readers to Native American culture, stories, and characters!
• Download books by Native American authors in eBook and eAudiobook formats to enjoy instantly using Overdrive/Libby.
• Explore more books written by Native Americans! Use the library research resource NoveList’s “Advanced Search” feature to generate a list of books by Native American authors.

Native American Heritage Month is a time for reflection, learning, and celebration. By attending local events, engaging with digital resources, and exploring literature by Native American authors, you and your family can develop a deeper connection to the rich heritage and contributions of Indigenous peoples.