November is Native American Heritage Month!
This month is a time to celebrate and honor the peoples who were on the North American continent prior to colonization. It is a time to consider and understand Native American culture, history, and ongoing struggles.
Native American history has always been taught to us with rose-colored glasses. In 1830, Andrew Jackson (a president we celebrate on our $20 bill) signed the Indian Removal Act, which allowed for the forced displacement and relocation of eastern Native Americans. At that time, tribes such as the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, Creeks, and Seminoles were located in land between the Mississippi River and the original colonies. This land was desired by colonists due to population growth within the original colonies and after gold was discovered on Native American land. The solution was to remove Native Americans westward. (nps.gov)
Between the years 1830 and 1850, around 46,000 to 60,000 Native Americans were moved west after the U.S. government coerced treaties or used the U.S. Army against those who fought removal. Many groups left during the winter and succumbed to brutally cold temperatures, disease, and starvation. Overcrowding and poor sanitation in internment camps for those waiting for deportation added to the death toll. Unfortunately, we will never know the total number of deaths and casualties caused by this mass deportation: An estimated 3,500 Creeks died in Alabama and on their westward journey. An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 Cherokees died in the notorious 1,200-mile march known as the Trail of Tears. (history.state.gov/)
At the end of Andrew Jackson’s presidency, he had signed into law almost 70 removal treaties, which deported nearly 50,000 eastern Native Americans from their ancestral homes westward. Native American families were torn apart and their possessions and belongings were sold and looted. Throughout the entire ordeal, infants and the elderly had the highest casualty rates. (national geographic)
Andrew Jackson and those responsible for the mass deportation and resulting deaths used patriotism and propaganda to promote their motives; however, this event is a clear example of intense prejudice against a particular minority group. The Indian Removal Act was an ethnic cleansing of Indigenous peoples east of the Mississippi River.
As Americans today, we would look at this type of event in disgust, especially if it were done elsewhere in the world. However, we do not discuss it in school classrooms as much as we should. Nor do we discuss it with young children. However, it is imperative and important that, as a country, we learn from our past mistakes and take responsibility for our transgressions. In order to understand the Native American struggles of today, it is important to understand the real history of the past. We should view the past with clarity and complete understanding.
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, I would like to share some children’s book recommendations that recognize and explore just a few of the many indigenous historical characters that have pushed for Native American rights and liberties.
Toypurina: Japchivit Leader, Medicine Woman, Tongva Rebel
by Cheyenne M. Stone & Glenda Armand, illustrated by Katie Dorame.
About: A bold picture book and biography about a lesser-known leader in Indigenous history. Toypurina led a revolt against the San Gabriel mission in California on October 25, 1785. Due to abusive Spanish colonization, the Tongva people were no longer allowed to speak their native tongue, dance their traditional dances, or perform their ceremonies. Toypurina helped lead resistance against the Spanish and she shows how bravery and leadership can fight against hate and prejudice.
Special Feature: Cheyenne Stone is a Paiute author and Katie Dorame is a Tongva artist. This provides indigenous representation and diversity to the story.
Ages: 4-8 years
Who Was Sitting Bull?
by Stephanie Spinner and illustrated by Jim Eldridge.
About: This detailed chapter book and biography explores the life of Sitting Bull: who was a tribal chief and holy man of the Lakota Sioux tribe. He fought against encroachment by the United States government and military through his incredible leadership and warrior skills.
Special Feature: This book is one of many from the Who Was series. It provides a wonderful balance of detailed facts and timelines with intricate, black and white illustrations.
Ages: 8-12 years
I am Sacagawea (Ordinary People Change the World)
by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos
About: One book from Brad Meltzer’s Ordinary People Change the World series that explores the life of trailblazer and explorer Sacagawea: the only girl and Native American to join the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Pacific Ocean. She helped the team communicate with other Shoshone tribal members and navigate the western frontier.
Special Feature: The series tells the story of each individual icon in a graphic-book style. The main character is always a child, telling their story in a conversational and lively way. This series is an excellent way to introduce young readers to nonfiction literature.
Ages: 5-8 years
Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior
by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Bridget George.
About: This lyrically written and beautifully illustrated book explores real-life Indigenous Rights Activists: Autumn Peltier and Josephine Mandamin. It specifically honors their activism towards water protection and conservation.
Special Feature: The illustrations are stunning, encouraging young readers to follow in the footsteps of water warriors and environmental conservationists.
Ages: 4-8 years
Keepunumuk: Weeachumun’s Thanksgiving Story
by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, Alexis Bunten & illustrated by Garry Meeches Sr.
About: In this Wampanoag story told in a Native tradition, two children from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe learn the story of Weeachumun (corn) and the true story of the first Thanksgiving. It expands our understanding and knowledge of Thanksgiving, and the real history of the Pilgrims and Native Americans.
Special Feature: All of the authors and the illustrator are indigenous writers and therefore this is a diverse book: Indigenous writers discussing indigenous culture and history. Greendeer (Mashpee Wampanoag), Perry (Chickasaw), Bunten (Unangan/Yup’ik), and Meeches Sr. (Anishinaabe).
Ages: 4-8 years
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