Native American Heritage Month

Thanksgiving historically developed from religious and cultural traditions from around the world. It was seen as a day to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. This tradition was celebrated long before settlers came to the Americas and the concept of gratitude already existed in this territory. Stop by CDPL to find fascinating true stories about Indigenous peoples and their perspectives.

Being thankful is deeply ingrained in Native American culture. Practicing gratitude towards the Earth, the Creator, and all living things is an important part of their heritage. They strongly emphasize respecting nature and the interconnectedness of all beings. This concept is often expressed through ceremonies and traditions that celebrate the gifts provided by the land and community. Thanksgiving is a complex topic for many Indigenous communities due to its historical association with colonization, but the core concept of giving thanks remains central to their way of life.

Are you interested in learning about local tribes? Check out “The Miami Indians of Indiana: A Persistent People 1654-1994” (970.4 Raf) by Stewart Rafert. The Miami Indians of today are heavily inspired and driven by preserving the traditions that existed before the Trail of Tears. Their history is grouped into timeframes and includes maps and images to understand their experiences better.

Want to know more about the pre-colonial lives of Native Americans? Take a short three and a half hour’s drive to visit the site of a great American city called Cahokia. It was once the home to over 20,000 Native Americans. Learn more historical facts in Timothy R. Pauketat’s book “Cahokia: Ancient America’s Great City on the Mississippi” (970.3 Pau).

Looking for a meaningful but action-packed story? The “Brothers on Three: A True Story of Family, Resistance, and Hope on a Reservation in Montana” (306.85 Str) by Abe Streep is a story for every community. In 2017, the Arlee Warriors brought the Montana state basketball championship home to the Flathead Indian Reservation, but this book is about more than high school basketball.

Walk a mile in a Native American’s running shoes in “Send A Runner: A Navajo Honors the Long Walk” (979.1004 Esk) by Edison Eskeets and Jim Kristofic. The Dine, the largest tribe in the U.S., came back from near extinction after their forced removal from Arizona. 150 years later, Edison Eskeets, a champion athlete, organized a memorial run that took 15 days and covered 330 miles. This book is a memorial to those who lost their lives and a token of honor to the survivors.

Think outside of the box with “Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration (GN 304.82 Cap) by Bryan Caplan and Zach Weinersmith. Caplan presents a new way of thinking about our current debate on immigration. He suggests opening borders worldwide, arguing that it would create a booming economy, eliminate poverty, and benefit all of humanity. Consider how different our lives would be if the Indigenous people of the Americas had said no to European settlers.

The Crawfordsville District Public Library would like to acknowledge that our community lives and works on lands that were once occupied by several Indigenous tribes, more specifically the Bodwewadmi (Potawatomi), Kaskaskia, Kiikapoi (Kickapoo), and Myaamia (Miami).

Interested in knowing what tribes once lived in your area? Visit Native Land Digital at to safely check any address. If you want to know more about Native Peoples, consider visiting our state’s official page for Native Affairs.

Stop by the Information Desk on the second floor for assistance with finding these books or others. Take a moment to appreciate our extensive collection of reading materials. If you are interested in acquiring a CDPL library card, searching our catalog in advance, or viewing our calendar, you can explore our website or call 765-362-2242 for assistance.