National American Indian Heritage Month
American Indian Heritage Month was first proclaimed in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. Since then, the month of November is designated as a time to recognize and celebrate the important contributions of the first Americans to the birth and growth of the United States.
Follow the links on this page to fiction books, folk tales, and information about the history and heritage of American Indians.
At the Library
Youth nonfiction books about Indians of North America
Youth fiction books and folklore about Indians of North America
Native American Tribes of North America, a Youth Services Homework Helper for students and teachers
- Encyclopedias, magazines, and music
Available from home for Skokie Public Library cardholders
- The New Book of Knowledge
Click Alphabetical Browse and then the letter "I." Scroll down the page to Indians, American and follow the link to an encyclopedia article about American Indians. Topics include early civilizations, empires, North American indian tribes, present-day issues, and more. - SIRS Discoverer
Select Spotlight of the Month for a selection of links to articles and Web sites that celebrate National American Indian Heritage Month. - World Book Online
Try a keyword search for "american indians" to find encyclopedia articles, historical maps, pictures, special reports, and more.
On the Web
...about American Indian Heritage Month
- The Creation of American Indian Heritage Month: A Brief History
- From the United States Department of the Interior, this 2001 document
provides a short history of how and why American Indian Heritage Month was
begun.
Note: Requires Adobe Reader
...fun, games, and reading
- Art Access: Family Activities from the Art Institute of Chicago
- These simple activities are a fun way for children and families to explore ancient American Indian art. The activities are an introduction to the Art Institute's Ancient Indian Art of the Americas exhibit.
- Circle of Stories: Storytellers from PBS
- Meet four Native American storytellers, listen to their stories, and learn about their tribes. The site also includes a section especially for educators.
- Internet Public Library: Native American Authors
- Information about Native North American authors including booklists, biographies, and links to interviews, online books, and tribal websites. Arranged by authors, titles, and tribes.
- Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
- Plan a visit or a day trip to the Mitchell Museum in Evanston, Illinois and explore its galleries, exhibits, collections, and library. The museum is home to thousands of objects from among the Southwest, Plains, and Great Lakes Indians.
- NativeTech: Games and Toys
- Play some cool online games based on Native American art and culture!
...history and heritage
- First Nations Histories
- Information about more than 200 First Nations from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Learn about Native Americans
- Click around this interactive map to learn about Native American groups in several different regions of the United States.
- Native American Indian Heritage Month: American Indian Medal of Honor Recipients
- Learn about American Indians who have received the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military honor for bravery.
- Native American Indian Heritage Month: Native American Women Veterans
- Read about Native American women who served in the United States military. Also includes a short biography of Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition in the early 19th century.
- Totem Poles: Present at the Creation from National Public Radio
- Learn about the art and the history of totem poles and their importance to Native American culture. Don't miss the "Other Resources" section for links to pictures of totem poles around the country.
...for teachers
- Education World® Lesson Planning: Activities to Celebrate Native American Heritage!
- A collection of classroom lessons that explore Native American cultures.
- Encyclopedia Smithsonian: American Indian History and Culture
- From the Smithsonian Institution, a long list of links to American Indian exhibits, websites, and reading recommendations.