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
The NK360° team is reflecting on the past year and some of the moments that stood out to us: gathering at the National Indian Education Association conference, celebrating the launch of a new digital storybook and lesson, and elevating our best work. We are also looking towards the new year, starting with a slate of new professional development opportunities in January. Please join us!
Life Along the River: The Pamunkey Tribe of Virginia
This online storybook explores the history and contemporary life of the Pamunkey people through four chapters: place, community and culture, history, and the future. Grades: 4–5
Lone Dog's Winter Count
This teaching poster looks at the oral culture and history-keeping of the Nakota people, the makers of Lone Dog’s Winter Count. It includes a lesson plan and student activity sheets that can be reproduced. Grades: 4–8
Celebrating Native Cultures Through Words
Stories develop listening skills, memory, and imagination. Use this Helpful Handout as an introduction to the rich tradition of Native American stories and their role within Native communities. Grades: K–12
Featured Teacher and Student Programs
Becoming a Native Knowledge 360° Educator: Is a Treaty Intended to Be Forever?
January 16, 2024
Online

How do we teach about treaties and their relevance today? In this professional development program, educators will apply NMAI's Becoming an NK360° Educator framework—Spark, Connect, Learn, Act—to the topic of treaties.

Program Details
illustration of a landscape with hands signing a treaty

illustration of two men shaking hands
Becoming a Native Knowledge 360° Educator: Is a Treaty Intended to Be Forever? | Northern Plains (Horse Creek Treaty of 1851), High School Session
January 30, 2024
Online

A deeper dive into a specific treaty and case study for high school. Learn about the people and the impact treaties had on specific nations.

Program Details
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 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
School Group Timed Entry
School Group Self-Guided Timed Entry Reservations for the imagiNATIONS Activity Center in New York, NY are available for December 2023 and January 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions about Native Americans
What is the correct terminology: American Indian, Indian, Native American, Indigenous, or Native?
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