Celebrating Native American Heritage



Inspire Connection and Respect for Native American Heritage

Our resource guide offers tools and activities to help you honor Native American history, culture, and contributions with children. Download it now to bring this month’s spirit of learning and inclusivity into your classroom or home.
Click here to download the our Hispanic Heritage resource guide.
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Yá'át'ééh

"Yá'át'ééh means "hello, it is good" in Diné, the language of the Navajo tribe (find more of our language resources below). As of January 8, 2024, there are 574 recognized Native American tribes, with the largest being Navajo, Cherokee, Choctaw and the Lumbee. In the month of November, we celebrate and honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Native Americans. However, this is a celebration that continues beyond the confines of this month. Introduce children with stories of young, Indigenous activists, inventors and scientists, artists, and more!
At CLI, we strive to empower our community of staff, supporters, and partners to be anti-racist leaders, which includes growing our knowledge and advocating for ourselves and others. This month provides us with an excellent occasion to do just that. Here are a few ways you can participate and encourage others to engage in the celebration:

Learn and Share

Take some time to learn about the history and significance of Native American Heritage Month. Share interesting facts, stories, or profiles of influential Hispanic Americans within our network or on social media platforms.

Cultural Awareness Workshops

Participate in workshops or presentations that educate our staff on the cultural diversity within the Native American tribes and communities. This can enhance our cultural competency and broaden our perspectives.

Celebrate Through Books, Art, and Cuisine

Explore Native American heritage and culture through art exhibitions, music, dance, and culinary experiences. Read and share books by Native American authors.

Community Engagement

Seek opportunities to engage with local Native American organizations, tribes, or communities, either through volunteer work or collaborative projects. Building connections can help us better understand how we can support efforts to combat inequity.

Promote Inclusivity

Remind everyone of our commitment to diversity and inclusivity within our organization by calling in/out. Encourage open conversations about the importance of recognizing and valuing all cultures and backgrounds and prioritize the voices and experiences of Native and Indigenous people.

Resource Sharing

Support Native American-owned businesses and share with others so that they can do the same. Follow, like, and share Indigenous organizers on social media.

During Native American Heritage Month, we can reaffirm our commitment to making a positive impact on children and communities through literacy education. We encourage you to participate in a way that resonates with you, whether it's through personal learning, sharing knowledge, or engaging in activities within your local community.
 

Native American Heritage Reading List

CLI’s 2024 Native American Heritage Month book list supports equity in education with stories that show children important perspectives that are too often neglected or silenced. Teach young children about land acknowledgments, learn about Native nations forging connections across the globe, and celebrate the diversity and joy of contemporary Native lives with stories about everyday endeavors like learning to skateboard, saying goodbye to the family car, and navigating an intense day at school. Honor Native experiences with beautiful, authentic books. Happy Native American Heritage Month!

Cover of This Land by Ashley Fairbanks
This Land

Written by Ashley Fairbanks, illustrated by Bridget George

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