Culture Corner: Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, an opportunity for families to learn about the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native peoples.
Native peoples are not one single group—there are 574 recognized Native American tribal entities in the United States, most with recognized homelands. Each Native Nation has its own culture, history, language, traditions, and experiences.
Here in the Finger Lakes region, families can learn more about the Haudenosaunee, or People of the Longhouse. The Haudenosaunee have deep and enduring connections to the land throughout what is now New York state. Our organization convenes the Indigenous Health Coalition where we collaborate with local Native people from a variety of tribes who are working with us to increase the visibility of, and improve health equity for, their communities.
This month’s Healthi Kids Culture Corner features a Haudenosaunee message of gratitude, an animated introduction to Native communities across North America, and a free local community celebration where families can experience Haudenosaunee culture together.
Read: Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message
Written by Chief Jake Swamp and illustrated by Erwin Printup Jr., Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message introduces young readers to a Haudenosaunee message of gratitude.
Sometimes called the Thanksgiving Address—unrelated to the US holiday—or “the words before all else”, the message encourages people to begin the day by giving thanks to Mother Earth and the natural world. The earth, water, plants, animals, winds, sun, moon, and stars are recognized as parts of one interconnected family. Chief Jake Swamp, a Mohawk chief born in the Akwesasne Mohawk community, adapted the message especially for children. Erwin Printup Jr. is a Cayuga/Tuscarora artist from Western New York.
The book invites families to slow down, notice the world around them, and think about how gratitude can inspire us to care for the earth and one another.
Talk about it together:
What part of the natural world are you thankful for today? What is one way your family can help care for it?
Watch: Native American History: Learn Fun Facts for Kids!
The homes people build, the foods they grow, and the clothing they make are often influenced by the land and climate around them.
While not all facts surrounding Native American history are “fun” in the way one might think, they certainly are interesting—and important. In this animated video from PIP Academy, young viewers are introduced to Native peoples from different regions of North America. Children can learn about several kinds of homes, including tipis, pueblos, wigwams, and longhouses, as well as how different Native communities hunted, farmed, prepared food, and adapted to their environments. Short quiz questions help children remember what they have learned.
The video offers a starting point for learning, but families should remember that it introduces only a small part of a much bigger story. Native Nations are distinct communities with their own cultures, histories, and traditions, and Native people continue to be an important part of our communities today.
Talk about it together:
What differences did you notice among the communities introduced in the video? What would you like to learn more about?
Keep Learning: Attend Haudenosaunee Heritage Celebration Day
Families can experience Haudenosaunee culture together during Haudenosaunee Heritage Celebration Day 2026 at the Memorial Art Gallery.
The free celebration will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, November 22. The event is being presented in collaboration with Jeanette Jemison, Friends of Ganondagan program director and a member of the Mohawk Nation’s Snipe Clan.
Families can enjoy live dance and cultural demonstrations with the Allegany River Seneca Dancers, led by Bill Crouse of the Seneca Nation’s Hawk Clan. The afternoon will also feature storytelling with Ronnie Reitter of the Seneca Nation’s Wolf Clan, along with display tables, history, culture, and other activities. Museum admission will be free for everyone during the celebration.
Community celebrations give children an opportunity to experience culture through stories, movement, art, and traditions shared by members of the community. They can also help children understand that Haudenosaunee culture is not limited to the past. It is a living culture celebrated and carried forward today.
Before you go:
- Talk about what your family might see, hear, and learn.
- Remind children to listen respectfully during stories and demonstrations.
- Encourage children to think of a question they would like to explore.
- After the celebration, ask each family member to share a favorite experience or something new they learned.
Keep the learning going
Native American Heritage Month is a starting point, not the only time to learn about Native peoples.
Families can continue reading books by Native authors, learning from Native educators and storytellers, attending community events, visiting Native cultural centers, and exploring the Native Nations connected to the places where they live.
When selecting books, videos, and activities, look for resources created or recommended by members of the Native community being represented. Whenever possible, name the specific Native Nation or community rather than treating all Native cultures as the same. You can use this digital map to type in a city, state, or postal code to see which Indigenous nations, languages, and treaties historically or currently correspond to that area.
Whether your family reads a story, watches a video, attends a community celebration, or begins a daily gratitude practice, every experience offers another opportunity to listen, learn, and build respect for the cultures and communities that continue to shape our region.