Resources
Youtube
Check out some incredible resources from YouTube that we love! From explorations of modern science and traditional knowledge, to indigenous agricultural models.
TED: Ideas Worth Spreading
“TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less).” Check their curated list of talks on Indigenous Peoples.
STEAM Resources
Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math are some of the cornerstones in education. Explore a number of resources that intersect STEAM resources and indigenous knowledge.
From the Lunar Planetary Institute, explore Skytellers: The Myths, the Magic, and the Mysteries of the Universe. Plus explore more information and resources from the Lunar Planetary Institute.
“Explore the mysteries of our Universe with Sky Tellers! Ten Native American myths and legends investigate the reason for day and Night, why we have seasons, the origin of the stars and other wondrous phenomena of our night sky. Each narrative is accompanied by the story that scientists tell today.”
Lesson Plans
IllumiNative offers a number of great resources to educators looking to add to units on Native American History to their curriculum.
“Native Americans are a vibrant and growing population with rich, distinct cultures in the United States. Tribal governments and Native communities have made large strides in revitalizing and teaching traditional languages and cultural practices and remain at the forefront of innovative practices in a variety of areas. However, invisibility and erasure remain profound barriers facing Native individuals, families and communities. These barriers are perpetuated by K-12 public education systems and have created hostile learning environments for Native children and negatively impact both Native and non-Native students by continuing to further invisibility and false narratives about Native peoples’ past and present. The failure of K-12 education systems to teach accurate history about Native peoples or about our contributions and issues in today’s society, promotes an inaccurate history of this country and erases the continued importance of Tribal Nations and peoples to the fabric of American society. False narratives and invisibility have harmful, long-term impacts by shaping federal and state policies, determining court decisions that affect tribes and Native peoples, furthers inadequate funding of programs impacting Native communities, and normalizes bias, discrimination and racism towards Native peoples.”
Student Programs, Professional Development, and More Educational Resources
The National Museum of the American Indian Smithsonian provides an education initiative to transform how we teach and learn about Native Americans.
“Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°) provides educators and students with new perspectives on Native American history and cultures. Most Americans have only been exposed to part of the story, as told from a single perspective through the lenses of popular media and textbooks. NK360° provides educational materials, virtual student programs, and teacher training that incorporate Native narratives, more comprehensive histories, and accurate information to enlighten and inform teaching and learning about Native America. NK360° challenges common assumptions about Native peoples and offers a view that includes not only the past but also the vibrancy of Native peoples and cultures today.”
Nature-deficit disorder is a relatively unknown issue, but it’s one that is affecting children and families across the world. With kids spending less time outside, they are also spending less time receiving all of the benefits that our natural world has to offer. Of course, getting children outside can be half the battle for parents these days, but these fun and exciting resources can help.
Enjoy a number of activities designed to help you and your family spend more time outdoors.
Resources by StopNDD.org