Native American Heritage Month Resources

NatiVE American Heritage Month

Celebrate and honor the vast contributions of Native American writers, the indigenous authors of this land who were telling their stories long before the idea of the United States of America was even close to being conceived.

November is Native American Heritage Month and we’re celebrating by reading and listening to the stories and truths of indigenous writers, both past and present. We rounded up some past programs, podcasts, and blogs from the AWM online archives for you to explore. Check them out below.

Two new podcasts to listen to!

U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo chats with Marie Arana about her work, oral storytelling, and the importance of representation in literature.
Pulitzer Prize-winner David Maraniss discusses his recent biography Path Lit By Lightning, about iconic American athlete Jim Thorpe, a member of the Sac and Fox Nation and the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal competing for the U.S.

Photo of Joy Harjo with quote of hers that reads, "Poetry can speak across culture, boundaries. It has that power. But to meet Native poets, that's when I started writing."

Square image with black background, a photo of Sophia Alice Callahan and text that reads: “To the Indian Tribes of North America who have felt the wrongs and oppression of their pale-faced brothers, I lovingly dedicate this work, praying that it may serve to open the eyes and heart of the world to our afflictions...”

Explore more than 400 years of American writing and history in our virtual exhibit American Voices. Learn about writers like Sophia Alice Callahan, the first known Native American to publish a novel. And William Apess, whose 1829 novel A Son of the Forest describes his journey to reclaim his Pequot identity after being forced to be a servant for white families. And Vine Victor Deloria, Jr., who employed humor in his writings and activism. Plus many more writers to learn about!

EXPLORE AMERICAN VOICES HERE

Explore the AWM Blog

Here are some highlights from the AWM blog through the years written by or about indigenous writers, including author interviews, writing tips, reading recommendations, and more.

Square image with black background, a photo of Tanaya Winder, and text that reads: "Writing is ceremony, writing is heartwork. Each day I try my best to open myself up and lead with my heart. -Tanaya Winder"

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Singers & Songwriters: Frank Waln and Tanaya Winder

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In addition to writers, Frank Waln and Tanaya Winder are also talented singer-songwriters. Waln is an accomplished hip-hop artist and producer. Winder is a multitalented spoken word poet, musician, and storyteller. The pair visited the AWM in May 2019 to perform their work and discuss their creative processes.

View our Native American Heritage Month playlist on YouTube.

Square image with black background, a photo of David Treuer, and text that reads: "The astounding thing isn’t the degree to which the U.S. government tried to rub us out...What’s astounding are the ways in which we’ve managed to survive. -David Treuer"

Listen to AWM Podcasts

On the AWM Podcast Network we have multiple episodes for your listening pleasure. Find them at the links below or listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Looking for some reading recommendations for books by indigenous authors?
Tanaya Winder has you covered, read them here.

"Writing songs, poems, and stories is how I process the world and try to make sense of it." - Frank Waln

Native American Heritage Month Resources