For our family, this isn't just a seasonal study. It is part of our commitment to decolonizing our education and honoring the truth of the land we live on. By integrating these themes into our homeschool, we allow for the curiosity and meaningful reflection that high demand systems often overlook.
For History and Social Studies, confront inaccuracies and center Indigenous voices. It is our responsibility to provide learning that respects the truth of Native communities and counters stereotypes. Research the specific nations whose land you currently live on and involve the children in creating a formal land acknowledgment. Using tools like Native Land maps can help you visualize the traditional territories and understand the people who stewarded this land for generations before us. Focus on stories of resilience and community, ensuring you teach about the enduring presence of Indigenous people today, not just in the past.
For Language Arts and Reading, prioritize materials created by Native authors and storytellers. Avoid books that reduce Indigenous people to folk wisdom and instead seek out authentic perspectives. This is a great time to explore podcasts or recorded storytelling sessions from Indigenous educators. The Molly of Denali podcast is a fantastic resource for younger listeners. It features an Alaska Native lead character and was created with a team of Indigenous advisors to ensure the stories accurately reflect the culture and values of the Gwich'in, Koyukon, and Dena'ina Athabascan people. You can also look for narratives that highlight both historic and contemporary life, giving the children a full, complex picture of Indigenous identity. Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard is a warm, beautiful look at how traditions adapt and survive, while The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson offers a middle-grade fantasy adventure that weaves in Cree traditional stories.
For Art and Community Projects, engage in community-based art for a hands-on approach. Projects like Project of Heart allow children to engage with history creatively and thoughtfully. Your children can create art, maps, or displays that reflect their learning about local histories. This is also a good time to discuss ethical consumption by learning about and supporting Indigenous artisans and businesses, which models respect for cultural labor.
For Cultural Awareness and Geography, use this time to look at the geography of Native nations across the continent. By studying different regions, you help children understand that Native American is not a monolith but represents hundreds of unique cultures, languages, and traditions. If possible, attend virtual events or listen to talks by elders to hear the living history of the land.
As you finish your time of reflection, it is a good idea to review what your family experienced together. Holding a family discussion is a wonderful way to talk about how your understanding of the land and its history has shifted. Try to show how this respect for Indigenous people relates to daily life and values of social justice and reason.
Do you need a dedicated place to track all of the resources you find most impactful? Having a intentional space for these materials makes it so much easier to continue this work year round and return to these stories often. You can use my free unit planner here to keep a record of the Indigenous authors and educators you discover so they are always ready for your next lesson.
Honoring Indigenous heritage doesn’t end with November. This month can be a starting point, a way to open our minds, make space for truth, and empower ourselves to do better.