In 1990, President George H. W. Bush designated November as National American Indian Heritage Month, opens a new window. Native American Heritage Month, as it's commonly referred to, is a time to learn more about the culture, traditions, histories and contributions of Native Americans.
Books
For Adults:
- Read powerful fiction and nonfiction stories of Native Americans with these collections of audiobooks, opens a new window and eBooks, opens a new window.
- Native American history and biographies: Try a nonfiction book about Native cultures and traditions.
- Contemporary Native American Writers : Learn more about the Native American experience in the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Native American Heritage: These books paint a more accurate picture of the Native American experience.
For Teens:
- Native American Authors and Reads for Teens: Check out this list to see famous Native American authors and their incredible stories!
For Kids:
- 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.
Browse this collection of films, opens a new window 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, opens a new window.
Online Resources
Pinterest board, opens a new window of resources and items from the Library of Congress collections.
American Indian records, opens a new window in the National Archives for research on family members, tribes, treaties and more.
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 CultureGrams, opens a new window and World Book Encyclopedia, opens a new window online.
Experiences
Denver Art Museum's American Indian collection, opens a new window represents the artistic works of nearly all tribes across North America and Canada. Across the street from there you will find Native American Trading Company, opens a new window which holds a gallery of southwest and Native American art.
At Denver Museum of Nature & Science , you can experience the diversity among Native American groups by visiting the North American Indian Cultures, opens a new window exhibit. (Get your free museum pass here).
Each year, the Denver March Powwow, opens a new window features dancing, singling, storytelling, food and art from close to 100 tribes in the US and Canada.
