Many of us grew up with stereotypes of American Indians that came from movies, TV shows or even from limited, often unidimensional accounts in our history books. But, what are the things we and our children should know now about the history of tribes on this land that was theirs long before European settlers arrived? What should we know about values, languages, traditions and arts and how those are still relevant? What are the challenges American Indians face today? And, most important, what are the strengths that are helping individuals, families and tribes overcome things that were done to diminish them, both past and present?

 

In this Mom Enough episode, sponsored by Help Me Grow MN, Lucy Littlewolf Arias, an Ojibwe Blackfeet and Latina mom and educator, joins Marti and Erin for a thoughtful discussion of this timely topic. She offers many resources where you and your children can learn more about American Indians here in Minnesota or among the 574 tribal nations throughout the U.S.

 

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO CHALLENGE STEREOTYPES AND LEARN MORE ABOUT AMERICAN INDIANS?

What are your images of American Indians, past and present, and how did you develop those images? What could you do to deepen your understanding of American Indian history and current life? Specifically, how could you learn firsthand about American Indians in your own state or community? And why is this important for your children to learn from an early age?

 

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AMERICAN INDIANS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTING THE ERASURE OF AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURE AND HERITAGE?

❉ Minnesota Historical Society, Teaching American Indian History and Culture. Check out this link to learn more about American Indian history and culture.

❉ Understand Native Minnesota. Learn more about the many important contributions American Indians make to our state. Check out the Native Minnesota podcast as well!

❉  National Museum of the American Indian. Find out more about current collections and exhibitions and view resources to help you learn (or teach your students) about American Indians.

❉  American Indians in Children's Literature. Read analysis of children's and young adult literature featuring Indigenous people. Learn about problematic phrases and books that reflect harmful stereotypes or are otherwise offensive. And, more importantly, learn about the best of American Indian literature.

❉ US Department of Interior, Indian Affairs FAQ. Learn more about policies related to American Indian tribes in the US.