Many of us recognize November as the month where we celebrate Thanksgiving and look forward to gathering with family and friends around a scrumptious dinner table. But November is also Native American Heritage Month. President George H. W. Bush made this declaration on August 3, 1990 as a way to honor the contributions of American Indians with programs, ceremonies and activities.

Native American Heritage Month celebrates the cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native people, across American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and American Samoan communities. Since African-Americans and indigenous people share similar struggles but also have a long history of unity, this is the perfect time to teach your children about the vibrant heritage of indigenous communities.

The following five ideas can help you and your family celebrate the unique traditions of tribal cultures.

1) Learn more about the tribal land you’re living on. There are more than five hundred federally recognized Native tribes in the United States. A wonderful way to raise awareness about American Indians is to discover the tribal territory you currently reside in. Native Land Digital created an interactive digital map that you can access by entering your zip code. You and your children can learn more about the tribes that once lived in your area and their unique culture and traditions.

2) Read children’s books about Native Americans. Learning about diverse cultures helps kids develop empathy and respect. The following three books are written or illustrated by indigenous creatives.

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
by Kevin Nobel Malliard
(Reading age: 2-6 years-old)

 

 

 

Still This Love Goes On
by Buffy Sainte-Marie and Julie Flett
(Reading age: 3-7 years-old)

 

 

 

Berry Song
by Michaela Goade
(Reading age: 4-8 years-old)

 

 

 

3) Go on a virtual field trip to learn more about Native American culture. The National Museum of the American Indian features informative online exhibits on topics such as indigenous poetry, food, dance and the meaning of Thanksgiving.

4) Connect with the land. Native Americans are known for having a special relationship with the natural world. This month, discover new ways for your child to deepen their own love for the land such as taking a walk in the woods, making a craft with fall leaves or cleaning up a neighborhood park.

5) Incorporate indigenous foods in your recipes. For many American Indians their food staples consist of corn, beans, berries, potatoes and squash. Prepare a delicious and nutritious meal or snack with your child by using these ingredients, such as sprinkling berries in yogurt or baking corn muffins.