The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, reopens May 21. Timed-entry passes are required. The museum in New York, NY, remains temporarily closed.
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children in the classroom interactive with Native Knowledge 360 resources
Native Knowledge 360° Education Initiative
Transforming teaching and learning
about Native Americans
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workshops and programs.
In the Spotlight
Looking for support on what and how to teach about Native Americans? Check out some of the latest NK360° Helpful Handouts: Guidance on Common Questions. Helpful Handouts offer educators a brief introduction to important topics and approaches to teaching about Native American life, cultures, and communities. Find even more helpful handouts here.
Learning to Look and Object Investigation
See this guided looking activity for guidance on using objects and material culture as sources for learning. Help students explore Native made objects and materials through inquiry.
Maya Skies: Calendars, Seasons, and Time
Maya Skies: Calendars, Seasons, and Time
Find background knowledge on the Living Maya Time website, a bilingual student website that is classroom ready and shares about the Maya culture through astronomy, calendars, agriculture and math.
The Impact of Words
Gain insight about terminology that is most appropriate to use when referring to Native Peoples. Use this resource to help guide respectful and informed conversations about diverse Indigenous Peoples.
Featured Teacher and Student Programs
Youth in Action: Ecological Knowledge in Pacific Coastal Communities
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join us in conversation with young Indigenous activists from across the Pacific who are using their traditional ecological practices to combat threats to ocean resources.
Learn More

Save the Date: Summer Virtual Teacher Institute!
The Power, Authority, and Governance of Native Nations: Understanding United States Federal Indian Policies
Mark your calendars now for the 2021 Virtual Teacher Institute from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. This live virtual event will occur on July 20–22, 2021, 1:00–2:30 PM ET, each day.

More information and registration details will be coming soon!
International Indian Council, 1843. Painting by John Mix Stanley. Smithsonian American Art Museum 1985.66.248, 934B

Explore NK360° Educational Resources

illustration of New York harbor during 17-18th century
Early Encounters in Native New York: Did Native People Really Sell Manhattan?
illustration of Congress signing legislation
American Indian Removal: What Does It Mean to Remove a People?
Sunset on desert landscape
The Navajo Treaty of 1868: Why Was the Navajo Journey Home So Remarkable?
Two tipis in the northern plains sunset
Northern Plains History and Cultures: How Do Native People and Nations Experience Belonging?
salmon swimming in a stream
Pacific Northwest History and Cultures: Why Do the Foods We Eat Matter?
suspended grass bridge
The Great Inka Road: How Can a Road System Be an Example of Innovation?
Quechua man gardening outside
The Inka Empire: What Innovations Can Provide Food and Water for Millions?
NMAI building along foliage
American Indian Responses to Environmental Challenges
closeup of dragon head
Living Maya Time
Search the museum's collection
Bring impactful, Native-centered primary source materials into your classroom through the museum's new collection 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
Virtual Field Trips
Learn about the rich, complex, and dynamic histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere from anywhere with our new virtual field trips.
Frequently Asked Questions about Native Americans
How many Indians lived in America before 1492?
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