Indigenous Heritage Education Resources

Providing free education tools and materials for teachers, interpreters, students, and lifelong learners inside and outside the National Park Service is one important way we support the agency’s mission. The value of America's cultures and diverse heritages may be lost if it's not passed on to the next generation or experienced by the present one. Want to inspire young people to grow into responsible citizens? Looking for more resources to craft interpretation or educational programming plans? See the related resources below or visit our Education & Training page for more.

Indigenous and American Indian histories are featured in the Teaching with Historic Places lesson plan series. These free, online lesson plans align with national curriculum standards and lessons contain primary and secondary sources, including readings, maps, and images, and recommended activities.

Among the featured American Indian curricula is our most popular lesson in the series, about one of the darkest hours in American history: The Trail of Tears and the Forced Relocation of the Cherokee Nation. Others include,

The Battle of Horseshoe Bend: Collision of Cultures
Consider the complex political and cultural differences that existed between European Americans and American Indians during the early 19th century and learn how these conflicting views ultimately affected the Creeks.

Enduring Awatovi: Uncovering Hopi Life and Work on the Mesa
Learn about traditional Hopi culture and farming at Awatovi, a historic pueblo where enduring Hopi traditions and American archeological research reveal much about this important place.

Last updated: March 8, 2016