Illinois offers a wealth of resources for those looking to integrate Native American heritage and history into education. From K-12 curriculum support to community engagement and cultural programming, these resources provide essential tools for teaching about Native American culture, history, and contemporary experiences. Here are the top 8 resources for Native American heritage education in Illinois:
1. Illinois K-12 Native American History Curriculum
A landmark law (HB 1633) now mandates that every public school in Illinois include a unit on Native American history. The curriculum focuses on the Midwest and Illinois, Indigenous sovereignty, and self-determination. Universities like Illinois State offer professional development programs to support teachers in fulfilling these educational requirements, ensuring that students receive accurate and comprehensive lessons on Native American history and culture.
2. American Indian Center of Chicago (AIC)
Since the 1950s, the AIC has served as a vital hub for Native communities in Chicago. They offer a variety of educational programs, cultural events, and public art initiatives, such as the Serpent Twin Mound. The center partners with local organizations to provide resources and host celebrations that promote the understanding of Native American history, culture, and contemporary issues, making it a key resource for both Native and non-Native communities.
3. Illinois State Museum: Indigenous People of Illinois Educational Materials
The Illinois State Museum provides educators with a wealth of materials designed to teach about the history and contemporary lives of Indigenous peoples in Illinois. These resources include classroom materials, professional development sessions, and multimedia resources, such as videos and hands-on activities, to help students better understand Native American history and culture.
4. Native American Support Program (NASP), University of Illinois Chicago
The Native American Support Program at the University of Illinois Chicago provides critical support for Native American students. This program promotes both academic and cultural success by offering mentorship, culturally relevant activities, and community outreach. NASP is also dedicated to encouraging Indigenous students to excel in higher education while maintaining their cultural heritage.
5. D’Arcy McNickle Center for American Indian and Indigenous Studies at the Newberry Library
Located in Chicago, the D’Arcy McNickle Center is an invaluable resource for Native American and Indigenous studies. It promotes research, public programming, and community partnerships. Through the Newberry Consortium in American Indian and Indigenous Studies, the center also supports graduate-level training and provides a platform for public lectures by Indigenous scholars, making it a leading institution for Indigenous academic work.
6. Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
In Evanston, the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian is dedicated to the art, history, and culture of Native American and First Nations peoples. The museum offers a range of exhibits and educational programs, along with resources for teachers to incorporate Native American culture and history into their classrooms. It’s a great resource for both students and educators interested in learning more about Native American heritage.
7. Native American House, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Native American House at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign serves as a campus resource center. It provides support and programming for Native students and offers outreach to educate the broader community about Native heritage. The center’s programming fosters a welcoming and supportive environment for Native students, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed academically while maintaining their cultural identity.
8. Native Knowledge 360° (National Museum of the American Indian)
While a national initiative, Native Knowledge 360° by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian is an excellent resource for Illinois educators. The program offers comprehensive, culturally accurate teaching materials, including webinars and classroom resources, to help educators present Native perspectives and contemporary Native lives accurately and effectively.
These eight resources provide a broad range of tools and support to integrate Native American history, culture, and contemporary issues into education in Illinois. By utilizing these resources, educators, students, and communities can gain a deeper understanding of Native American heritage and work toward a more inclusive and accurate representation of Native peoples in the educational landscape.
Sources
[1] https://history.illinois.edu/academics/undergraduate-studies/get-involved/native-american-history-resources-teachers
[2] https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2025/04/bridging-the-gap-in-the-curriculum-presenters-gathered-to-share-expertise-through-an-indigenous-education-initiative/
[3] https://fpdcc.com/educational-cultural-opportunities-partnering-with-the-american-indian-center/
[4] https://www.nacc-il.org/illinois-american-indian-organizations
[5] https://illinoisearlylearning.org/blogs/teaching-native-americans/