Ever feel like history class left out some important stuff? November kicks off Native American Heritage month. Honoring Native American history isn’t just about remembering the past; it’s about respecting the vibrant cultures that have shaped—and continue to shape—this land. Let’s get into some of the Indigenous peoples history that rarely made it into our textbooks.
A Legacy of Recognition and Celebration
Did you know the first real effort to celebrate Native American culture started over a hundred years ago? In 1916, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, Red Fox James, rode across the U.S. on horseback (yes, horseback!), gathering support for an “American Indian Day.” The movement made history in New York, but it wasn’t until 1990—yes, that recent—that November was declared National American Indian Heritage Month by President George H.W. Bush (U.S. Census Bureau). Today, it’s a national call to reflect, respect, and recognize Indigenous contributions.
Wait—Did Columbus Really Discover America?
The traditional narrative credits Christopher Columbus with “discovering” America; we used to have a day to celebrate it, but now most states refer to it as Indigenous Peoples Day. When I was in elementary school, we had a Christopher Columbus parade, where we all dressed up as Pilgrims and Native Americans, complete with handmade feather headdresses. But the reality is quite different. Indigenous communities had already built entire societies, languages, and trade systems when Columbus arrived in 1492. In fact, archaeological evidence now backs up what Native oral histories have said all along: ancestors of today’s Native Americans have been here for at least 23,000 to 30,000 years. And these weren’t just small settlements. Cities like Poverty Point in Louisiana were bustling centers for trade and social organization with engineering feats that could rival ancient European cities (National Park Service).
Outdated Lessons in Our Schools
Unfortunately, U.S. schools don’t exactly do justice to Native American history. About 86% of schools only teach Native history as it relates to the 19th century or earlier. This means a huge number of kids are missing out on the broader story, including the modern contributions of Indigenous communities. While only 11 states require some Native American education in public schools, initiatives like Since Time Immemorial are working to bring these stories into the classroom (Washington State Standard).
The Fight for Citizenship and Voting Rights
Despite being the original inhabitants of this land, Native Americans didn’t get official citizenship until 1924 with the Indian Citizenship Act. Even then, voting rights weren’t universal; some states held out until the 1960s to allow Native people the right to vote. That’s four decades after citizenship was granted! It’s a reminder that even the most fundamental rights often took decades of effort to secure (Connecticut Children’s).
Resilient Cultures That Continue to Thrive
Today, there are around 6.79 million Native Americans in the U.S.—roughly 2.09% of the population. California, Oklahoma, and Arizona have some of the largest Native communities, with about 574 federally recognized tribes nationwide (World Population Review). And in case you were wondering, the Mohicans didn’t vanish like in the novel (or the movie). The Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans is one of 11 tribes alive and well in Wisconsin, and they have reclaimed 351 acres of sacred land. (Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans)
Valuing Indigenous Knowledge and Science
For generations, Native communities have lived in close connection with the land, developing sustainable agricultural methods, water management practices, and environmental stewardship that we can still learn from today. Crops like corn, squash, and beans—often called the “Three Sisters”—originated here and were staples long before Europeans arrived. This traditional knowledge is still incredibly relevant as we face modern-day environmental challenges (National Park Service).
From Time Immemorial
Thankfully, there’s a shift underway. Programs like Since Time Immemorial are helping students learn about Native history in a way that acknowledges both the past and the present. This initiative aims to provide an inclusive view of Native history, covering not only historical contexts but also modern-day challenges and achievements of Native Americans, including issues like missing and murdered Indigenous women and healthcare disparities. While there’s still a long way to go, efforts like these show a shift toward recognizing Indigenous history. (Washington State Standard).
Activities for the Classroom
Here are some activities to honor Native American history and culture in your classroom:
