Background

"American Indian Day" was first declared by the State of New York in 1916, just two decades after the closing of "the last frontier" in the west. Ironically this original celebration of Native Americans occurred at the same time as the birth of the "Indian" stereotype in the new film industry. Seventy-four years would pass until a national month long recognition of Native Americans was declared by President George Bush. National American Indian Heritage Month was first celebrated in 1990.

The purpose of National American Indian Heritage Month is to honor and recognize the original peoples of this land. Montgomery County Public Schools supports this effort through meaningful study in the curriculum throughout the year and in appropriate activities during the month.

» Research on the teaching of Multiculturalism has become increasingly sophisticated. A good place to start is An Introduction to Multicultural Education by James A. Banks (Allyn & Bacon, 1998). An outstanding, practical resource is Beyond Heroes and Holidays by Menkart, Lee, and Okazawa-Rey (NECA, 1998). For a quick, academic overview see this article:
                                                                                              

» Try a Multicultural Walkabout of your School, designed by former MCPS social studies coordinator Dawn Thomas at:
                                             

Tips for All Grades
» MCPS supports education that is multicultural. The history of all people should be incorporated in the curriculum throughout the year. Use American Indian Heritage Month to emphasize the historic and current impact of the American Indian experience in creating our uniquely diverse nation.

» Visit one of the field trip sites dedicated to Native American history. Trip information, including lesson plans and web sites can be found on the MCPS field trip database at:
                                                                                                                   

» Helpful websites - including places to begin research - can be found on the MCPS web page dedicated to Native Americans at: