
Native American Heritage Month
Monthly Newsletter - November 2021
Boozhoo District 196 Teachers!
This month's American Indian Education Newsletter will focus on Native American Heritage Month
Background Photo of The Tree of Life painting by Anishinaabe artist: Jason Jacko
104 Stat. 391; United States Statutes at Large, Volume 104, 101st Congress, 2nd Session
Did you know, in 1990 the month of November was officially declared Native American Heritage Month?
In recognition of this important declaration, we encourage District 196 teachers and staff to explore the rich history of indigenous people around the United States and in Minnesota. We have compiled resources to showcase and celebrate the contributions of Indigenous peoples within American society and history. And we hope this will further our district's knowledge and exposure to Indigenous lives and perspectives.
Like all US Presidents since 1990, on October 29, 2021, President Joe Biden renewed this annual proclamation that NOVEMBER 2021 as National Native American Heritage Month and that November 26, 2021 as 'Native American Heritage Day.'
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your American Indian Education Cultural Family Advocate or visit our American Indian Education webpage.
Celebrate Indigenous People
Google Doodles Celebrating Indigenous People, Culture & Contributions:
Celebrating the late We:wa - Zuni Artist
Celebrating Maria Tallchief - Osage Nation Prima Ballerina
Zitkala-Sa’s 145th Birthday - Yankton Sioux Writer, Musician and Activist
Celebrating Amanda Crowe - Eastern Cherokee Woodcarver and Educator
Celebrating James Welch - Blackfeet Writer
Celebrating Mary Two-Axe Earley - Mohawk Activist
Mary G. Ross’s 110th Birthday - Cherokee Scientist and Mathematician
Susan La Flesche Picotte’s 152nd Birthday - Omaha Physician
Celebrate Indigenous Authors
Celebrate Indigenous Athletes
Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Daniel (Lower Brule Sioux Tribe)
Celebrate Indigenous Scientists
NASA Astronaut
Mechanical Engineer for NASA
Aerospace Engineer for NASA
Upcoming Events to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month w/Dakota County
Ojibwe Storytime: Become familiar with the traditional Ojibwe stories as told by Ojibwe storyteller Mi-zi-way DesJarlait.
- Robert Trail Library: Thursday, Nov. 4, 2–2:45 p.m. Register now.
- South St. Paul Library: Saturday. Nov. 6, 10:15–11 a.m. Register now.
Indigenous Drumming
Hear lively songs and stories from the RedBone Singers and learn about the importance of drumming in Native and Indigenous cultures.
Robert Trail Library: Friday, Nov. 5, 10–11 a.m. Register now.
American Indians in Books for Children and Teens
Learn about how popular and classic books for kids and teens contribute to both the education and the misunderstandings of who Native peoples were in the past and who they are in the present day.
Zoom virtual event: Monday, Nov. 8, 7–8 p.m. Register now.
Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Anne McKeig
Join us to hear Justice Anne McKeig discuss her experiences working in law and becoming the first Native American to serve on the Minnesota Supreme Court.
Zoom virtual event: Tuesday, Nov. 9, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Register now.
Anishinaabe Bead Arts
Create a work of beaded art and discover how patterns and colors reflect tribal affiliations with Julie Boada of the Fond du Lac Nation.
Zoom virtual event: Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1–3 p.m. Register now.
Recorded Programs
Virtual Author Talk with Dawn Quigley
Meet children's book author Dawn Quigley, who will provide a live reading and discuss her newest book Jo Jo Makoons: The Used-to-be Best Friend. Watch the recording.
Tribal America: Hidden from View
Learn more about cultural appropriation and traditional Indian cultural celebrations. Watch the recording.
Revisiting Myths About American Indians
Hear about Eugene E. Fracek's own experiences growing up as an Indian in South Dakota. Watch the recording.
What's New Since 1492?
Learn about different kinds of Indian Tribes in America, who Indians are and what allows a person to become an enrolled member of a Tribe. Watch the recording.
Indigenous Drumming Online
Join us for lively songs and stories from RedBone Singers and learn about the importance of drumming in Native and Indigenous cultures. Watch the recording.
Resources on Thanksgiving and Gratitude Written by Native American Authors
Giving Thanks by Chief Jake Swamp
ThankU: Poems of Gratitude by various authors
Four Seasons of Corn: A Winnebago Tradition by Sally M. Hunter
1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving
There are numerous books available to be checked out from our Indian Education Lending Library Collection