This month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Indigenous people.
It is also time to educate ourselves and our children about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to overcome these challenges.
Ways to Celebrate With Children
Educating yourself and your children through reading and talking is always a great place to start, but below are some fun, more interactive ways you can also celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
Explore your region
No matter where you live in the U.S., Indigenous people lived on that land before you. There are almost 600 federally-recognized tribes in the U.S. Learning about your local history can be a meaningful way to connect with your area’s history and current events.
Check out https://native-land.ca for an interactive map! Type in your address and the program will identify which tribe(s) have lived and may continue to live in your area. You can also search the internet and/or visit local libraries and museums to learn more about the people of these tribes.
Connect with local and state organizations to learn more about Native American cultural traditions
Did you know that there are nine federally-recognized Native American tribes in Oregon? Oregon tribes include:
Burns Paiute of Harney County; Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians; Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde; Confederated Tribes of Siletz; Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Reservation; Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs; Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians; Coquille Indian Tribe; and Klamath Tribes.
Each tribe has their own cultural heritage and traditions that continue today. Connect with organizations in your community and virtually across the state so that you and your child can learn about the rich histories and cultural traditions of each.
To learn more, visit: https://www.bia.gov/
Resources
Honor Native Land: A Guide and Call to Acknowledgement by The U.S. Department of Arts and Culture
Overview of the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon by the Oregon Department of Human Services
The National Indian Child Welfare Association. Located in Portland, OR, this organization provides trainings in Positive Indian Parenting, Tribal Child Welfare, and more.
List of Native knowledge resources in Spanish – by the National Museum of the American Indian’s Native Knowledge 360 Project
Children’s Books
Who Am I? by Julie Buchholt, illustrated by Aliya Ghare
This Land: The History of the Land We’re On by Ashley Fairbanks, illustrated by Bridget George
Remember by Joy Harjo, illustrated by Michaela Goade
Be A Good Ancestor by Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince, illustrated by Carla Joseph
Finding My Dance by Ria Thundercloud, illustrated by Kalila J. Fuller
Being Home by Traci Sorrell, illustrated by Michaela Goade
We Are Water Protectors/Somos guardianes del agua by Carole Lindstrome, illustrated by Michaela Goade
Rainbow Weaver/Tejedora del Arcoiris by Linda Elovitz Marshall and Elisa Chavarri
El Areyto de la Pluma by Tere Marichal-Lugo
Learn more about the Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative and read our blog!
