1. Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness (MCNAA)
MCNAA is a leading local organization dedicated to preserving Native American cultural traditions, advancing public knowledge, and supporting Native American residents in Massachusetts. They offer educational programs and public events focused on Indigenous history, culture, and contemporary issues.
2. Teaching Native American Histories (University of Massachusetts Amherst)
This project provides a searchable database of lesson plans tailored to New England tribes, including those in Massachusetts. It features resources such as “10 Tips to Decolonize Your Classroom,” key concepts for Native American history, and classroom-ready materials for all grade levels
3. Native Knowledge 360° (Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian)
NK360° offers comprehensive, inquiry-based educational materials, virtual programs, and teacher training. It emphasizes Native perspectives and accurate histories, with lessons and resources suitable for Massachusetts classrooms.
4. Boston Public Library Special Collections & Local History
The Boston Public Library curates collections and events for Native American Heritage Month, including access to Indigenous-owned literature, primary sources, and local tribal histories relevant to Massachusetts.
5. Honoring Native Land: Massachusetts Indigenous Peoples
This resource, linked through Emerson College and the Native Land map, provides detailed information about the tribes indigenous to Massachusetts, including links to tribal websites and contemporary Indigenous life in the region.
6. Plimoth Patuxet Museums – “You Are the Historian”
This interactive online game and associated resources allow students to explore the history and culture of the Wampanoag people and their interactions with early colonists, using primary sources and oral histories.
7. Facing History and Ourselves: Native American History Resources
Facing History curates a collection of lesson plans, online exhibitions, and teaching guides focused on Native American history and contemporary life. Their materials include resources from the Smithsonian, the Mitchell Museum, and the Hood Museum, as well as strategies for deconstructing stereotypes.
8. PBS LearningMedia & Native American Heritage Month Official Site
PBS offers educational videos, interactive lessons, and primary sources for students of all ages, including content on Massachusetts tribes. The official Native American Heritage Month website aggregates resources for educators, including lesson plans, stories, and historical documents.
Sources:
1. https://www.mcnaa.org
2. https://www.bu.edu/dos/native-american-heritage-month-resources/
3. https://www.facinghistory.org/ideas-week/18-teacher-resources-native-american-history-culture
