Celebrate Wisconsin’s Native American Heritage Year-Round

Communities and schools across the United States recognized Native American Heritage Month in November — a time dedicated to honoring the histories, cultures, contributions, and ongoing influence of Tribal Nations, people, and communities.

For educators, the celebration carried special significance. It offered an opportunity not only to celebrate Indigenous Nations and peoples, but also to reflect on our responsibility as educators to guide students in learning accurate, authentic information about American Indian Nations, people, and communities across Wisconsin and the United States.

In Wisconsin, this work is especially important. Our state is home to 11 federally recognized American Indian Nations and one Tribal Nation that is currently not federally or state recognized. Each Tribal Nation of Wisconsin has its own distinct history, language, and contemporary identity. Wisconsin Act 31 — signed into law in 1989 — requires all public school districts to provide instruction in the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of the 11 federally recognized tribes and bands in Wisconsin. The DPI has an extensive range of resources available for educators to help students learn about American Indian Nations in November and throughout the year.

• The short video Wisconsin First Nations Exemplar Profile features David O’Connor — the DPI’s education consultant, American Indian Studies Program — whose unwavering leadership and expertise have guided schools across the state in developing more informed and culturally responsive approaches to American Indian Studies. His video profile will touch your heart, deepen your understanding of Tribal Nations in Wisconsin, and make you think more deeply about cultural relationships as part of your own life.
• The DPI’s American Indian Studies Program page is full of resources for Wisconsin teachers and learners.
• The Wisconsin First Nations Education website will expand your learning journey with its primary source materials, lesson plans, videos, and professional learning tools available for all grade levels.
• The American Indian Studies Enduring Understandings: A Resource for K-12 Educators is a recently published resource that provides excellent grounding for all content areas.
• Your learning doesn’t have to be all virtual! Plan a special Wisconsin escape this winter by exploring the historical and geographical information, along with full-color photographs, on the Native American Tourism of Wisconsin website. 

While November offered a designated moment to celebrate Wisconsin's Native American heritage, you can celebrate year-round.