Native American Heritage Month | Discovery Education Blog

I grew up in a time when the stereotyped portrayal of Indigenous men and women was that seen in early western films. For illustration, as a youngster I would see a Plains tribal member currently being performed by a non-Indigenous human being talking my have Díne language, when evidently the character was not of my tribe. And I honestly can not think of one particular book that represented me when I was in university. In reality, I didn’t see a reflection of myself on tv, in textbooks, in college, or in instructional components. 

Now as an educator, I am thrilled to see the improve in academic products that elevate the diversity of Native peoples, and to see them turn out to be much more obtainable. I am also psyched to be filling my shelves with guides that depict my students—I am leading with an equitable lens so that my classroom signifies my learners and honors their Indigenous identity.

The base line is when we improve the stereotypes of Native peoples, we improve the adverse narratives of racial biases that are unsafe. My mission is to guarantee college students have an equitable prospect to turn into leaders and I am dedicated to making certain Indigenous learners have a reliable foundation that lets them to be section of a competitive world wide society, while honoring their language, heritage, and culture—the assets that will aid me attain that goal are activity changers.

As you embark this November on a celebration of American Indian Heritage, commence by finding out about the very first inhabitants of your own towns. Be thoughtful and partaking and guide with very good intentions in celebrating the to start with peoples of this land. And as you proceed to rejoice this November thirty day period, and even through the year, do so with intent to honor and uplift the stories of Tribal Nations in your local community, in your point out, and across this nation.