In 1990, President George H. W. Bush designated November as National American Indian Heritage Monthopens a new window. Native American Heritage Month, as it's commonly referred to, is a time to celebrate the culture, traditions, histories and contributions of Native Americans.
Local History
Native Americans hold a rich history in Colorado. In fact, Arapahoe County was named after the Arapaho Indians who, along with the Cheyenne, occupied most of Colorado when it was only a territory. Learn more about the Arapaho and Native American history in Colorado with CultureGramsopens a new window and World Book Encyclopediaopens a new window online.
Sand Creek Massacreopens a new window: On November 29, 1864, Colonel John Chivington and his army attacked and destroyed a village of Cheyenne and Arapaho in Colorado, murdering over 230 Native Americans. In 1999, archaeologists discovered remains of the massacre site near Eads, including bullets and camp equipment. In 2007, the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Siteopens a new window was dedicated as an official unit of the National Park Service in order to "recognize the national significance of the massacre in American history, and its ongoing significance to the Cheyenne and Arapaho people and the descendants of the massacre victims."
Online Resources
Pinterest boardopens a new window of resources and items from the Library of Congress collections.
American Indian recordsopens a new window in the National Archives.
Books
Read powerful fiction and nonfiction stories of Native Americans with these collections of audiobooks and eBooks.
Native American Heritage: These books paint a more accurate picture of the Native American experience.
Recommended Reads in Children's Literacy: Check out these great books that portray American Indians in realistic ways.
Find ways to Introduce Children to Native America with this list of diverse books.
Books for Young Readers: Picture books and junior fiction books written by Native American authors and illustrators.
Native American Authors and Reads for Teens: Check out this list to see famous Native American authors and their incredible stories!
Native American history and biographies
Browse this collection of films that educates and celebrates the rich and diverse cultures and traditions of Native Americans.
Music
Music plays an integral role in the life of Native Americans and many different instruments are used including drums, flutes and other percussion instruments. Listen to some of the traditional music of Native Americans with this collection of streaming music.
Events
Capturing the Old West: Photography of Edward Curtis | November 7, 7–8:30 pm: Join us for a slideshow of American photographer Edward Sheriff Curtis' breathtaking images of the American West and Native Americans.
Printing Techniques of Edward Curtis | November 12, 7–9 pm: Get an up-close glimpse into the handmade printing techniques of famous photographer Edward Sheriff Curtis and touch a master photogravure!
