Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
Recommended Reading and Films.
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Recommended Reading and Films
In November, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples in the U.S. and beyond. Originally established in 1990, this month encourages us to deepen our understanding of Native American heritage while reflecting on the historical and present-day struggles of Indigenous communities. Through literature and film, we gain insight into their experiences, stories and traditions that have shaped their lives across generations.
Books and films are powerful mediums for exploring Indigenous narratives, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs of Native American communities. Our curated list of recommended readings and films offers a diverse range of voices and perspectives. Whether you're seeking historical insights, cultural explorations or gripping stories, these selections provide a deeper understanding of the Indigenous experience.
Featured Books
1. The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
This National Bestseller and 2023 Barnes & Noble Discover Prize winner tells the haunting story of a Mi’kmaq girl who goes missing in Maine’s blueberry fields, unraveling a family mystery that spans fifty years. With themes of love, race and forgiveness, The Berry Pickers is a stunning debut.
2. Sisters of the Lost Nation by Nick Medina
A young Native girl searches for answers surrounding a series of disappearances in her community in this part-thriller, part-mythological horror novel. Medina brings to light the issue of missing Indigenous women through an atmospheric and suspenseful tale.
3. Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
Pulitzer finalist Tommy Orange returns with Wandering Stars, a multi-generational story tracing the legacies of the Sand Creek Massacre and the Carlisle Indian School. Orange weaves together historical and contemporary Native American narratives in this masterful novel.
4. To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
In this captivating fantasy, a young Indigenous woman challenges the rules of a colonizer-run dragon academy after bonding with a hatchling. To Shape a Dragon’s Breath explores themes of identity, resistance and the clash of cultural traditions.
5. Colonization and the Wampanoag Story by Linda Coombs
This book offers a powerful retelling of American colonization from the perspective of the Wampanoag people. This non-fiction work reveals the untold story of Indigenous resistance and survival during the early years of European settlement.
6. Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan
Based on the author’s family history, Buffalo Dreamer is a moving novel about reclaiming one’s past and preserving culture. This short yet powerful story illuminates the importance of heritage for Native American families.
In addition to these compelling reads, the following films further explore Native American history, culture and contemporary issues. Each film provides a unique lens into Indigenous narratives, offering both educational and emotional depth.
Featured Films
1. Smoke Signals (1998)
A groundbreaking film by Chris Eyre, explores the complex relationships between Native American families and their identities in modern America.
2. Reel Injun (2009)
A documentary that examines Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans and how these depictions impacted real-life perceptions of Indigenous people.
3. The Business of Fancydancing (2002)
Directed by Sherman Alexie, this film delves into the life of a Native American poet struggling with his cultural identity.
4. Fancy Dance (2023)
Directed by Erica Tremblay, Fancy Dance follows a Native American woman and her niece as they embark on a journey to find the girl's missing mother, highlighting the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. This film combines mystery with powerful commentary on family and survival within Indigenous communities.
5. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film explores the tragic history of the Osage Nation murders in 1920s Oklahoma. Based on David Grann's non-fiction book, it delves into a dark chapter in Native American history, bringing to light the exploitation and violence experienced by Indigenous people.
6. Red Fever (2024)
The film follows Cree co-director Neil Diamond as he asks, “Why do they love us so much?” and sets out on a journey to find out why the world is so fascinated with the stereotypical imagery of Native people that is all over pop culture. Red Fever is a witty and entertaining feature documentary about the profound, yet hidden, Indigenous influence on Western culture and identity.
These books and films offer a deep and nuanced exploration of Native American heritage, resilience and identity. This Native American Heritage Month, we invite you to immerse yourself in these stories that honor the past while shedding light on the present. When we take the opportunity to learn, reflect and engage with the rich cultural legacy of Indigenous communities it benefits not just us as individuals, it benefits us all.
Books for Native American Heritage Month - Penguin Random House
The True Story Behind 'Killers of the Flower Moon' | TIME
