National Museum of the American Indian | Smithsonian
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Native Knowledge 360° Education Initiative
Transforming teaching and learning
about Native Americans
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workshops and programs.
In the Spotlight
Explore classroom-ready resources for Native American Heritage Month, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving.
Illustrations of indigenous men and women in the midst of daily activiities
Inquiry Design Model (IDM)
The “First Thanksgiving”: How Can We Tell a Better Story?
Dispel misconceptions about the “First Thanksgiving” by examining events that include Wampanoag perspectives, which have been largely absent from this national story. Grades 3–5
a basket filled with ripe cranberries
Video
Cranberry Day: Traditional Harvest Festivals
In this video, learn the significance of Cranberry Day for the Aquinnah Wampanoag and the importance of harvest traditions among Wampanoag communities today. Grades 3 & up
two codetalkers, one speaking into a radio and the other writing with a pencil
Website
Native Words, Native Warriors
Native Words, Native Warriors tells the stories of American Indian code talkers, who used words from their traditional languages to help secure victories for the United States and its allies during World Wars I and II. Grades 6–12
Featured Teacher Programs
illustration featuring panels with figures engaging in life activities
Becoming an NK360° Educator Series: The “First Thanksgiving”: How Can We Tell a Better Story?
January 14, 21, 28, and February 4, 2025
Online

This series introduces the new NK360° resource The “First Thanksgiving”: How Can we Tell a Better Story?

Program Details

edX Course: Foundations for Transforming Teaching and Learning about Native Americans
Through November 7, 2025
Online

Learners will explore the impact of problematic narratives about Native Americans, as well as learn ways to recognize and share more complete narratives.

Program Details
NMAI New York, NY and NMAI Washington, DC
Explore NK360° Educational Resources
collage featuing baskets, interior of a church, sketch of two figures, man with a bow
California Native American Survival and Resilience During the Mission Period: 4th Grade Edition
collage featuring a basket, writing, a photograph of a woman, a photograph of a man, an illustration of a figure, and a woven bag with shells
California Native American Survival and Resilience During the Mission Period: Middle & High School Edition
illustration featuring panels with figures engaging in life activities
The “First Thanksgiving”: How Can We Tell a Better Story?
illustration of an adult and kids in silhouette watching a screen
What’s the Story with National Stories?
collage of photographs and articles
The Impact of the Gold Rush on Native Americans of California
photograph of the Pamunky River
Life Along the River: The Pamunkey Indian Tribe of Virginia
illustration of silhouetted figures
Lenape (Delaware) Homeland
illustrations of figures on a map
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Lands and the American Revolution
photograph of a basket filled with cranberries
Cranberry Day: Traditional Harvest Festivals
Search the museum’s collection
Bring impactful, Native-centered primary source materials into your classroom through the museum’s Collections Search.
Educators participating in teacher workshops
Professional Development
Explore workshops designed to equip teachers with critical concepts and engaging pedagogy to support a transformation in teaching and learning about Native Americans.
Children interacting with digital resources in the classroom
Group Timed Entry
Student groups interested in timed entry to the imagiNATIONS Activity Center or the Native New York exhibition in November–December 2024 may make a reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Native Americans
What is the correct terminology: American Indian, Indian, Native American, Indigenous, or Native?
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