National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American and Alaska Native communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.
Here is a curated list of PBS resources to learn and celebrate the cultural and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our Nation.
Start Here
Teacher Tips for Native American Heritage Month
What is Cultural Appropriation?
Did Europeans Enslave Native Americans?
For Kids
Design a Poster to Honor the Indigenous Lands You Live On
PBS KIDS Celebrates Native American Heritage Month!
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month PBS KIDS Youtube Playlist
Molly of Denali | Awesome Alaskan Kids | PBS KIDS
Molly of Denali | PBSKIDS – Games and Videos
Molly of Denali | PBS Learning Media – Lesson Plans and Media
12 Books to Celebrate Native American and Alaska Native Heritage
Middle School and High School
Indigi-Genius – Written and hosted by Dr. Lee Francis, Pueblo and self described Indigi-Nerd, and funded in part by VisionMaker Media, the series covers a range of global Indigenous topics and breaks down some of the science, culture, history, and “Indigi-Genius” knowledge that we may sometimes take for granted.
Native American Heritage Collection
A People’s History of Native America – Hosted by comedian and actor Tai Leclaire, A People’s History of Native America is a series that explores the current social climate in Native America, diving deep into the history of tribal nations and the external factors that have shaped their contemporary circumstances.
Sovereign Innovations – Celebrating the brilliance of Indigenous innovation through the lens of contemporary knowledge and culture.
The Warrior Tradition – Native Americans enlist and serve in the U.S. military at rates that proportionally far exceed every other ethnic group. The Warrior Tradition explores the many and varied reasons why Native Americans have chosen to fight on behalf of the U.S. throughout history. These curriculum materials include lesson plans for grades 2 through 12, a discussion guide, and a classroom poster that will help students learn about Native American culture, traditions, and history. The lesson plans are aligned to the National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies. Thematic Strands cover a variety of topics such as examining culture, defining the word “warrior,” Navajo Code Talkers, honoring soldiers, and warrior women.
The American Buffalo and the Concept of Indigenous Peoplehood
The Sacred Relationship Between Native Americans and the American Buffalo
What We Can Learn From These Native American Comedies | Historian’s Take
Indigenous Communities Are on the Front Lines of Climate Change | Hot Mess
How the #LandBack Movement Might Help Save the Planet
The Arts
How These Native Dancers Blend Heritage and Hip Hop
How The Halluci Nation Created Electric Powwow Music
Native American Hip-Hop and Freestyle in Albuquerque | If Cities Could Dance
What Does Electric Pow Wow Sound Like? | Sound Field
Lifelong Learning
PBS Newshour Native American Heritage Month
PBS Books – has interviewed numerous talented Indigenous authors including Louise Erdrich, Angeline Boulley, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Dawn Quigley, Kellie Jo Ford, Toni Jensen, and more.
Indie Alaska – is an Emmy award-winning web series produced by Alaska Public Media in partnership with PBS Digital Studios. It tells authentic stories about independent Alaskans across the state. New episodes premiering now!
Celebrate Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month | Youtube Playlist – Learn about the diverse experiences, history and artistry of Native Americans and Alaska Natives
Native American History: Documentaries On American Indian Boarding Schools and Forced Adoptions. Witnesses share the truth and their personal experiences of overcoming the trauma of U.S. government policies aimed at separating Native American families.
Native Report – is an entertaining, informative series that celebrates Native American culture and heritage, listens to tribal elders, and talks to some of the most powerful and influential leaders of Indian Country today. www.NATIVEREPORT.org
Learn about Indigenous Cuisine and Foods from Native Chefs
This Native American Veteran Carried Lessons – and a Pebble – Into War | American Veteran
After the Ice – Vanishing sea ice is upending life in coastal communities in Alaska, forcing residents to adapt their way of life. In After the Ice, elders tell Terra how they’re changing how they hunt, eat, travel and live in a new, unsteady world.
What to Watch: Celebrate Native American Heritage Month – Hear from Indigenous voices across the continent, including storytellers from Alaska Native, First Nations, and Native American communities in this collection of documentaries.