Native American Heritage Month– Explore resources and historic sites in our region
November is Native American Heritage Month
Tribal flags hang in the National Museum of the American Indian
This summer, I had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. with a friend and check another Smithsonian Museum off my “visited” list. As my friend and I searched the hundreds of tribal flags hanging from the ceiling hoping to find his tribe (apparently the Cree tribes are more well-known in Canada), I couldn’t help but think of the ways that tribes across North America contributed to the history of the nations we call home. Interactions with First Nations helped develop early U.S. foreign policy, and activism from indigenous peoples today remind us how important issues like climate change and human rights are to everyone around the world. I’ve gathered some of my favorite resources to spotlighting the history and culture of the indigenous peoples who call “Turtle Island” home during Native American Heritage month and throughout the year.
Community Organizations
Greater Cincinnati Native American Coalition
The Greater Cincinnati Native American Coalition exists to preserve and represent the culture and heritage of Native American, Indigenous, and First Nations people; to provide education, advocacy, and support on contemporary Indigenous issues and cultivate knowledge about Native American history in local and regional communities.
The Center, a Miami Tribe of Oklahoma initiative located within an academic setting, serves the needs of the Myaamia people, Miami University, and partner communities through research, education, and outreach that promote Myaamia language, culture, knowledge, and values.
The Myaamia Center has two main purposes:
- To conduct in-depth research to assist tribal educational initiatives aimed at the preservation of language and culture. This research is used to create a wide range of educational models and materials for community language and cultural programs.
- To expose undergraduate and graduate students at Miami University to tribal efforts in language and cultural revitalization. Student experiences are gained through a wide range of activities, including visits to Oklahoma, direct involvement in research initiatives, class visitations by Center staff, and access to Miami Tribe language and cultural resources.
Go Explore
Shawnee Lookout— North Bend, OH
About the Site: Well-known for its history and heritage, this 2,017-acre hilltop park also boasts nature trails with breathtaking views of the river valley below. Shawnee Lookout is well known for its historical Springhouse School and Log Cabin and Native American archaeological earthworks. The park’s nature trails, including the 1.3-mile Blue Jacket, 2.0-mile Little Turtle and the 1.4-mile Miami Fort trail, offer spectacular views of the Ohio River and Great Miami River valleys. 4.3 miles of former golf cart paths are also open for everyone to bike, hike, roll or stroll. The park also features picnic areas, a playground and boat access to the Great Miami River. It is currently managed by Great Parks of Hamilton County.
Woodland Mound— Anderson Township, Cincinnati, OH
About the Site: The breathtaking view of the Ohio River Valley from Breezy Point Pavilion makes this 1,070-acre park extra special to visit. It is currently managed by Great Parks of Hamilton County.
Artist rendering of Serpent Mound
Serpent Mound— Peebles, OH
About the Site: Serpent Mound is an internationally known National Historic Landmark built by the ancient American Indian cultures of Ohio. It is an effigy mound (a mound in the shape of an animal) representing a snake with a curled tail. Nearby are three burial mounds—two created by the Adena culture (800 B.C.–A.D. 100), and one by the Fort Ancient culture (A.D. 1000–1650). It is currently managed by the Ohio History Connection.
Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve-– Oregonia, OH
About the Site: Explore North America’s largest ancient hilltop enclosure, built 2,000 years ago. A National Historic Landmark, the site is thought to have served as a social and ceremonial gathering place. Experience an on-site museum and gift shop (members receive a 10% discount), recreated American Indian garden and three miles of hiking trails with scenic overlooks.
Professional Development
Indigenous Perspectives: A New Lens for the Classroom
Myaamia Center Programs at Miami University
June 6-8, 2022 in the Perrysburg / Toledo area (specific location TBD)
About the Program: This collaborative, multi-faceted workshop is geared toward 4-8th grade teachers who are committed to applying newfound knowledge and perspectives to multi-disciplinary classroom curricula. Methods, materials, and resources are also modifiable for other grade levels.Indigenous Perspectives: A New Lens for the Classroom will provide educators with background on Native American Peoples and offer tribal-specific presentations including Miami (Myaamia) and Muscogee Nation history and worldview. Teachers will be provided culturally appropriate lessons and resources to promote inclusive learning environments for their students and develop critical reviewing skills that can be applied to a wide range of resources and textbooks. Participants are encouraged to bring lessons they are challenged with to adapt and develop with staff. Our team of experts are dedicated to helping teachers recognize the impacts of historical events and support Indigenous narratives while fostering community with attendees.
Educational Resources
25 Resources for Honoring Indigenous Peoples Day
This initiative of the Cincinnati Public Library and the Greater Cincinnati Native American Coalition provides a list of books for readers of all levels.
Lessons of the Day (NY Times Learning Center)
These lessons allow students to respond to current events and connect the past to the present. Please preview the articles ahead of time as some topics are emotionally difficult.
- The Forgotten History of Indigenous Boarding Schools (November 2021)
- The Thanksgiving Myth Gets a Deeper Look This Year (November 2020)
- Occupy Alcatraz: Native American Activism in the Modern Era (October 2019)
- With Indigenous Languages in Steep Decline, Summer Camps Offer Hope (April 2019)
This interactive map shows rough boundaries of indigenous homelands around the world. Be sure to check out the Teacher’s Guide for more resources and ways to implement the site into your classroom.
Native American Heritage Month (PBS)
PBS provides several resources, including articles and videos.
National Native American Heritage Month (Library of Congress)
This site archives events and resources from around the United States that honor Native American Heritage Month.
Native American Heritage Month (NPS)
The National Park Service provides great resources regarding US-based tribes, including videos, articles, and information about national parks and historic sites.
November Is Native American Heritage Month (Learning for Justice)
This page hosts webinars, articles, and lessons related to indigenous issues in the United States.
No More Stolen Sisters (Amnesty International)
This site outlines a human rights response to discrimination and violence against Indigenous women in Canada. The United States observes Red Shawl Day on November 19th to draw attention to the horrible acts of violence committed against American Indian and Alaska Native people, particularly women and children.
Indigenous Peoples at the United Nations (UN)
This site outlines ways in which indigenous peoples are represented in the UN, including the 2007 UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the 2014 World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, and more.
Essential Understandings | Native Knowledge 360° (Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian)
Building on the ten themes of the National Council for the Social Studies’ national curriculum standards, the NMAI’s Essential Understandings reveal key concepts about the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary lives of Native Peoples. These concepts reflect a multitude of untold stories about American Indians that can deepen and expand your teaching of history, geography, civics, economics, science, engineering, and other subject areas.
