Look to your library for resources to learn more during Native American Heritage Month, or American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, celebrated annually in November.
Visit the Library
Author Visit with Ojibwa author Kim Sigafus
Join our visit with Ojibwa author Kim Sigafus on The History of the Jingle Dress on Monday, November 17 at 6:30-7:30pm. She is an award-winning Ojibwa author who writes Native American fiction, non-fiction, and children’s and young adult books. We recently added her children's books, The Ojibwe: People, Culture, and History and Faye and the Dangerous Journey: An Ojibwe Removal Survival Story (a Girls Survive book) to our collection.
Activities in Youth Services
Visit Youth Services to explore a curated collection of coloring pages and activities, inspired by books and media by Native authors and illustrators, including We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, Molly of Denali, Spirit Rangers, and We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade.
Get Book Recommendations
We have many books, ranging from picture books to non-fiction to graphic novels and chapter books, that reflect the wide-ranging past and present experiences of Native, Indigenous, and First Nations individuals and communities. Some of the titles we're loving right now include:
Bud Finds her Gift by Robin Wall Kimmerer, illustrated by Naoko Stoop
When young Bud sees people bustling around, intent on their chores and their screens, she is certain they must be doing important things--and she wants to be included. But wise Nokomis, her grandmother, shows her that there is a different way to find belonging, one that relies on stillness and observing the natural world. As Bud discovers the freely given gifts of the Earth, she wonders if she has something important to give back. What is her gift?
The Super-Scary Sleepover (Jo Jo Makoons 5) by Dawn Quigley, illustrated by Tara Audibert
Spunky first grader Jo Jo Makoons knows a lot about bravery and boldness. Her cat, Mimi, is very brave when she tries new foods, and Teacher is very bold when he wears his ugly ties to school. When Jo Jo is invited to her first friend sleepover, it's her turn to be courageous! Only she's not quite sure how. Especially when scary puppets and dolls hide around every corner... Full of spooky fun and after-school mischief, the latest book in the Jo Jo Makoons chapter book series celebrates an Ojibwe girl with a big heart who finds her courage through the people she loves. Perfect for fans of Romona and Ivy and Bean. For audiobook fans, you should definitely check out the audiobooks narrated by Jennifer Bobiwash.
Highlighting the fact that contemporary Native life is ongoing, this picture book presents truths about Native Americans that everyone should know. Whether facing forced assimilation or tribal termination or celebrating self-determination or the Indian Child Welfare Act, Native people in the United States will always declare: We are still here!
You can read the readalong audiobook of We are Still Here on Hoopla, with a full cast of Cherokee, Navajo, Choctaw, and Chickasaw narrators.
This Land by Ashley Fairbanks, illustrated by Bridget George
Before my family lived in this house, a different family did, and before them, another family, and another before them. And before that, the family who lived here lived not in a house, but a wigwam. Who lived where you are before you got there?
The Kodiaks: Home Ice Advantage by David A. Robertson
Eleven-year-old Alex is a natural on the ice, but can he stand proud when he's judged for who he is and where he comes from? Hockey fans will love this action-packed middle grade novel about teamwork, overcoming adversity, and being proud of who you are and where you come from. Everything is changing for 11-year-old Alex Robinson. After his father accepts a new job, Alex and his family move from their community to the city. For the first time in his life, he doesn't fit in. His fellow students don't understand Indigenous culture. Even a simple show of respect to his teacher gets him in trouble. Things begin to look up after Alex tries out for a local hockey team. Playing for the Kodiaks, Alex proves himself as one of the best, but he becomes a target because he's Indigenous. Can Alex trust his teammates and stand up to the jerks on other teams? Can he find a way to fit in and still be who he's meant to be?
Check out these books and more from our displays throughout the library! And remember to explore these amazing books all year long!
Explore Online Resources
There are lots of wonderful (and free!) online resources for learning more. A few of our favorites are:
Watch Crash Course: Native American History
Crash Course, created by Hank Green and John Green, offers high quality educational videos available to everyone for free, whether for classroom use or personal learning. The new Native American History course is accessible, engaging, and informative. Over 24 episodes, Che Jim will introduce you to the deep, ongoing history of the Indigenous peoples who’ve called these lands home from time immemorial to today.
As the producers write ... "there’s no way we could have made this series without the guidance and leadership of Indigenous experts, academics, artists, and writers. We worked closely with our network of Native advisors every step of the way, from creating the original series vision and episode list, to reviewing the scripts, to designing the set, selecting imagery, and developing on-screen animations." They even provide a lengthy list of sources for each episode to dig deeper, which you know we librarians love to see! I especially recommend Episode 19 with award-winning actor Lily Gladstone about the History of Indigenous Women.
Listen to Podcasts
If you love listening to podcasts (or if you're eager to start), add Native and Indigenous podcasts to your playlist. Here are some suggestions:
Visit Museums
Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
You can use your library card to borrow a museum pass to visit the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum in Evanston. To obtain a printed pass, visit the second floor Youth Services desk with your Wilmette library card. Alternatively, to request a PDF of the pass, email Youth Services.
Explore the Field Museum: Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories Virtual Tour
You can walk through the Field Museum's Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories in this high-resolution, 360-degree virtual tour! As the exhibit description states, "Experience stories told by Native people of self-determination, resilience, continuity, and the future. Hear from Native American and Indigenous people as they tell their own stories - through words, music, dance, and art. In Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories, we invite you to connect with diverse Native stories and the individuals who share them. Dive deeply into current issues, like threats to Native land and the rights of tribal nations to govern themselves. Celebrate the thriving, modern cultures of today's Native communities." And if you can make time to visit in person, the museum is free on Wednesday for Illinois residents.