Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by learning about the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Indigenous peoples. There are currently 574 federally recognized tribes, each with their distinct identities and customs. Explore these resources to honor the historical and present-day contributions of Native communities.
Recognize whose land you’re on
Use Native Land Map to identify the tribal lands you’re living on. Palo Alto is located on the traditional territory of:
Join us for Family Storytimes
Tune in on Facebook Live, opens a new window for storytimes celebrating Native American Heritage Month:
- Friday, November 5 at 11:00 a.m
- Tuesday, November 9 at 11:00 a.m.
Expand your knowledge through reading
Booklists:
- Native American History Biography and Memoir, opens a new window
- Modern Indigenous Voices
- Understanding Native Histories
- YA Books by Indigenous Authors
- Indigenous Voices in Graphic Novels
- Picture Books: Native American Heritage Month, opens a new window
- Middle Grade Books: Native American Heritage Month, opens a new window
- Acclaimed Books for Youth by Native Authors, opens a new window
Recommended resources:
- Recommended books and articles from The Association of Ramaytush Ohlone
- American Indians in Children's Literature blog by Dr. Debbie Reese of Nambé Pueblos
Separate facts from myths
- Learn the truths of the first Thanksgiving
- Explore materials for teachers and students on Native Knowledge 360°
Take a virtual field trip
- Visit the 2021 Sacred Springs Powwow to view dance performances.
- Explore the diversity of Indigenous languages around the world with Google Earth’s Celebrating Indigenous Languages. You can also access Mango Languages with your library card to learn Indigenous languages such as Cherokee and Potawatomi.
- Check out Native artifacts at Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
- View this Smithsonian gallery of Indian imagery in the United States and think about the representations you encounter in your daily life.
Listen to Native music
- Native Radio: Stream contemporary and traditional music.
- Native American Music Awards: Watch and listen to performances by Native artists.
- Hoopla: Listen to songs and dances.
Check out these podcasts
- All My Relations Podcast: Matika Wilbur (Swinomish and Tulalip) and Adrienne Keene (Cherokee Nation) discuss topics facing Native Americans today.
- Métis in Space Podcast: Two Métis women, Molly Swain and Chelsea Vowel, drink wine and analyze sci-fi movies and TV through a decolonial lens.
- Media Indigena: Host Rick Harp provides a weekly discussion of Indigenous current affairs in North America.
- Toasted Sister Podcast: Host Andi Murphy discusses Indigenous cuisine with Native chefs and foodies.
Watch a documentary or film
- Native Cinema Showcase: An annual celebration of the best in Native film happening November 12–18
- Molly of Denali: Follows the adventures of a 10-year old Alaska Native girl, her family, dog, and friends. It is also the first U.S. cartoon series to feature Indigenous leads.
- Kanopy: Documentaries and American Indian Film Festival award winners available for streaming with your library card
Explore Native foods and recipes
- Learn to make frybread, an Iroquois white corn & berry dessert, and more!
- The Sioux Chef's Indigenous Kitchen
- Original Local
-Doris Chen, Librarian at Mitchell Park Library | Follow @dochn on Bibliocommons
