Fostering Cultural Appreciation: Resources for Indigenous Peoples’ Month

November is Indigenous Peoples’ Month, a time to celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Native communities. It’s also an opportunity to teach young children about Indigenous traditions and values, helping them develop cultural awareness, empathy, and respect for diversity. However, some traditional activities, like “Indian and Pilgrim” reenactments, can misrepresent history and unintentionally cause harm. These activities often rely on stereotypes, using inaccurate depictions like feathered headdresses or generic costumes, which oversimplify and reduce diverse cultures to caricatures. They also erase the realities of Indigenous histories by promoting a one-sided narrative of Thanksgiving that overlooks the struggles Indigenous communities have faced. Additionally, dressing up as “Indians” can promote cultural appropriation by treating important cultural elements as costumes. Instead of these reenactments, families and educators can honor Indigenous Peoples’ Month by embracing meaningful activities, such as reading books by Native authors, learning about local tribes, or exploring traditional foods and art.

We encourage families and educators to weave Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into their classrooms and homes. Here’s how you can get started:

Why Indigenous Representation Matters in Early Childhood Education

Introducing children to the traditions and values of Indigenous peoples promotes cultural awareness and empathy. It challenges stereotypes and helps children understand the interconnectedness of all cultures. In classrooms and at home, these lessons can cultivate curiosity, respect for others, and a lifelong appreciation for diversity.

Activities for Preschool Providers

Incorporate Authentic Stories

Read children’s books by Indigenous authors, such as “We Are Water Protectors” by Carole Lindstrom or “Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story” by Kevin Noble Maillard.
Use storytime to discuss themes of family, nature, and community values central to many Indigenous cultures.

Celebrate Indigenous Art

Introduce children to Indigenous art forms like pottery, weaving, or beadwork. Create simple art projects inspired by these traditions, while discussing their cultural significance. Explore online galleries from the Denver Art Museum’s Native Arts collection for inspiration.

Nature-Based Learning

Highlight Indigenous peoples’ connection to the land. Plan outdoor activities that teach respect for nature, like planting seeds or observing local wildlife. Share Indigenous stories about the seasons or animals, connecting them to your outdoor explorations.

Respectful Language and Representation

Use accurate terminology when discussing Indigenous peoples and nations. Emphasize that Native cultures are living and thriving today. Avoid stereotypes like “costumes” or oversimplified representations of Indigenous traditions.

Tips for Families to Celebrate at Home

Share Indigenous Stories and Songs

Visit your local library to find books by Indigenous authors. First Nations Development Institute そして American Indians in Children’s Literature (AICL) are great resources for finding authentic recommendations.

Cook Together

Explore traditional Indigenous recipes, like Three Sisters Stew (featuring corn, beans, and squash), and discuss their significance in Native cultures. Cooking can be a fun and engaging way for children to learn about history and geography.

Explore Colorado’s Indigenous History

Take a family trip to places like the History Colorado Center, or other museums or historical sites. Colorado History offers several museums with free admission for children all year. Learn together about the Indigenous peoples of Colorado, including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes.

Additional Resources for Providers and Families

Books and Media

• We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell (Cherokee)
• Bowwow Powwow by Brenda J. Child (Ojibwe)
• PBS Kids: Native American Heritage Month videos and activities

Curriculum and Classroom Resources

• IllumiNative Education Hub: Lesson plans, activities, and guides for teachers
• Native Knowledge 360°: A project from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
• History Colorado: Local resources for educators

Online Resources

• Native Land Digital: Interactive maps to learn about Indigenous lands
• First Nations Development Institute: Family-friendly materials and links to Indigenous-led initiatives
• デンバー公共図書館: Events and booklists celebrating Native American heritage

Reflecting and Moving Forward

This month, let’s commit to meaningful engagement with Indigenous cultures, not just in November but year-round. By introducing children to the stories, values, and knowledge of Native communities, we lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and respectful future.

Together, we can honor the past while inspiring the next generation to celebrate diversity and embrace equity in every part of their lives.

At the Denver Preschool Program, we honor and acknowledge that the land on which we reside is the traditional territory of the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Peoples. We also recognize the 48 contemporary tribal nations that are historically tied to the lands that make up the state of Colorado. We honor the Indigenous communities’ past, present, and future, and those who have stewarded this land throughout generations. We also recognize that government, academic and cultural institutions were founded upon and continue to enact exclusions and erasures of Indigenous Peoples.

May this acknowledgment demonstrate a commitment to working to dismantle ongoing legacies of oppression and inequities and recognize the current and future contributions of Indigenous communities in Denver.