18 Teacher Resources on Native American History and Culture
Below are 18 resources that middle and high school teachers can turn to when developing lesson plans related to the roles of Native American peoples in American history and contemporary life. These resources include online exhibitions at the Smithsonian; the Smithsonian’s Native Knowledge 360° Educational Initiative; the work of the Mitchell and Hood Museums; and the growing work of Facing History in these thematic areas.
![Three members of the Sioux tribe pose in Indian Village, 1898.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/Black%20Foot-Standing-Bear_Big_Eagle_Sioux_ca_1898.jpg?h=26ac82e5&itok=5rYHkhl2)
Why Teach Reconstruction Today?
Studying the history of Reconstruction reveals that American history is lined with recurring cycles of social progress and backlash in which everyday people have surmounted immense barriers to drive powerful change.
![Man representing the Freedman's Bureau stands between armed groups of Euro-Americans and Afro-Americans.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-09/Freedman_bureau_harpers_cartoon_FH21213.jpg?h=83f3d97f&itok=jf0SD3Wz)
Ready or Nought, it’s Time to Face Race in the UK
Learn about impressions of Nought and Crosses and how it connects to the personal experiences of Facing History UK team members.
![A black and white hand on a red background.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/Noughts%20and%20Crosses_Large.jpeg?h=903dff9f&itok=XYuV9bwM)
Acclaimed Educator Frank Stebbins on Facing History and Human Rights Education
In this interview with educator Frank Stebbins, we discuss resources and strategies for teaching difficult lessons around the Holocaust and Genocide Studies.
![Picture of Frank Stebbins Receiving an Educator Award.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-12/StebbinsAward-1.jpeg?h=7a11922f&itok=aVV7PQBu)
How Can Music Inspire Social Change?
This blog explores the connections between music, history, and social change. Within this blog, educators are provided with a lesson that can be used with students to contemplate the role of music as a social change agent.
![The Staple Singers sit with the owners of Stax Records, Al Bell and Jim Stewart, in Memphis, TN. Photo courtesy of Stax Museum of American Soul Music.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/2_al_jim_staples.jpeg?h=cdfb2dc1&itok=keTFSL6P)
Common Ground Revisited
Learn about the play Common Ground Revisited, which explores various ways that key historical actors may have experienced the 1970s school desegregation in Boston and the different ways that contemporary Bostonians relate to these historical events.
![Busing Information Phone Bank; City of Boston Mayor's Office in September 1974.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/Busing_Information_Phone%20Bank_City_Boston_Mayors_Office_September_1974.jpeg?h=18da7b47&itok=et7KRWL8)
Bringing the “Beloved Community” Into The Classroom
In this article, our Chief Officer for Equity & Inclusion, Dr. Steven Becton suggests 5 key practices for bringing the “Beloved Community” into the classroom.
![Demonstrators peacefully protest in front of police officers during a Black Lives Matter protest. One protester takes a knee in front of the officers.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/gayatri-malhotra-2Qo7EEokcFU-unsplash.jpg?h=2d9e0ed8&itok=QiHU21v2)
George Takei on Standing Up to Racism, Then and Now
George Takei speaks to the Facing History community about his childhood experience in an incarceration camp and anti-Asian racism on the rise today.
![A black and white photo of George Takei](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-09/George%20Takei%20_v2.png?h=9a1378d6&itok=sRJKlDnn)
Heeding King's Words: Reflections for MLK Day
The work of Martin Luther King Jr. was defined by the struggle for equity and peace. As we confront today's inequities, his insights can be a guide.
![Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-09/Martin%20Luther%20King%20Jr.%20Memorial%20in%20Washington%2C%20DC%2C%20FH2187338.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=s_0_XVJl)
Reflections on Plymouth: "This is where our people are."
Cheryl Andrews-Maltais talks about feelings around the Mayflower landing, celebrating Indigenous survival, and how to teach true history.
![Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, Chairwoman of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah, is seen on July 8, 2019 in Boston, Boston Herald](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-09/Cheryl%20Andrews-Maltais%2C%20Chairwoman%20of%20the%20Wampanoag%20Tribe%20of%20Gay%20Head%20Aquinnah%2C%20is%20seen%20on%20July%208%2C%202019%20in%20Boston%2C%20Boston%20Herald.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=IjjcaSu_)
Between Two Worlds: An Iranian American’s Perspective on History, Identity, and Hope
From losing the Iran they knew to revolution in 1979 to watching the current revolution from afar, a friend of Facing History shares her family's story.
!["Free Iran" sign and Iranian flags at Iranian human rights rally - Sacramento, CA](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-09/IMG_3440.jpg?h=c0bd333e&itok=Ch4QD4sk)