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Conversation Pathways to Stronger Indigenous Representation in English Language Arts Classrooms

by Renée Gokey and Wendi Sierra

"American Indian cultures have also been dynamic, changing, and responsive. Our cultures are not frozen in time. They are fluid, holding to a traditional core even as we explore new ways to make art, to share traditions, to honor and give thanks." (41-42)

General Resources

An initiative created by the  National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) with teaching resources.

A collection of lesson plans and resources for all subjects and grades PK-12, designed and curated by Indigenous people.

A slightly smaller collection of activities and lesson plans created by the group IllumiNative.

A white paper report on common concerns and ways for allies to responsibly and thoughtfully support Native issues. 

Books

NMAI has created a literature rubric organized around five themes: Authority, Accurate Representation, Tribal Specificity, Language, and Contemporary Life. This tool is intended to support teachers, parents, librarians and students in a worksheet format.

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Salt

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Where the Myaamia First Came From

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Picture Books

A great resource containing articles and suggestions for both what to consider when looking for children's literature about American Indians and also specific works, both recommended and not recommended. 

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Poetry and Music

A site spotlighting a Native youth poetry group from the Pine Ridge Reservation

A project created by Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, shares diverse Native poets from across the United States

By Poet Laureate Joy Harjo

A classic country song by Dakota Sioux artist Floyd Red Crow Westerman

A classic rock song by, Redbone, a band comprised of Native American and Mexican American members. This song was the first by Native artists to crack the top 5 on Billboard charts. This performance begins with traditionally-inspired drums, chanting, and fancy dance, before moving into the song itself. 

A song by by Innastate, a contemporary New Mexican reggae band singing about Native issues.

A song by Halluci Nation, a Haudenosaunee duo creating electronic music sometimes called "powwow-step" for their combination of traditional singing and instruments with electronic music and styles. The video includes a variety of scenes of contemporary Native people doing everything from traditional dance to boxing. 

A song in traditional styles by Nibi Walk.

An Inuit throat singer and Tiktoker.

An intertribal song associated with the American Indian movement.

Speeches

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Plays, Artwork, Games

A play by Drew Hayden Taylor.

A play by William Yellow Robe (available as part of the collection).

A part of NMAI's collections focused on art. 

A Minneapolis Institute of Art Exhibit.

A platformer game developed with the Cook Inlet Tribal Council containing multiple short documentaries about their culture. Available for purchase on multiple platforms.

A re-envisioning of the Oregon Trail narrative from the perspective of a displaced Anishinaabeg traveling west in 1890. The game is freely available for download.

An Oneida language and culture game that shares the Oneida creation story and teaches eight words in Oneida  The interactive narrative and short minigames are freely playable in browser.

News outlets and Podcasts

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