Celebrating Indigenous Cultures with Videos and Family Activities

There are thousands of Indigenous communities around the world, each with unique cultures and traditions. To celebrate these diverse groups, families can explore how they made history and how they continue to shape our future.

This collection of videos and activities highlights a handful of Indigenous cultures in the Americas and around the world. It includes stories by and about Native American, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, First Nations, and Maya peoples. Try these free resources to talk with your kids about the importance of preserving and honoring heritage.

For Kids Age 3–8

• "The Earth on Turtle's Back": Read this short story about our connection to nature and land.

• Make Your Own Indigenous Fruits and Flowers: These craft tutorials will show you how to turn things like paper and beads into Indigenous food plants like strawberries and sunflowers.

• Molly of Denali: Watch videos and play games based on the adventures of Molly, an Alaska Native girl.

• Native Species Masks: Download and color plants, animals, and elements found in Hawaiian rainforests.

• Storytime Videos: Listen to read-alouds of picture books with Indigenous characters and stories.

• "Thunder Mountain/Snoozing Sun": Watch an episode of Spirit Rangers, a children's show inspired by Native American folklore.

For Kids Age 9–12

• The First Thanksgiving: The history of Thanksgiving is different from the story that's often told. Read this article from National Geographic Kids to learn some myths and facts.

• ​​Hawaiian Watershed Adventure Game: Print this fun board game and learn more about Hawaiian ecology.

• Making Space History: Listen to these inspiring words from astronaut Nicole Mann. She is a member of the Wailacki tribe of the Round Valley Indian Tribes. She made history this year by becoming the first Native American woman in space.

• "Remember" by Joy Harjo: Check out this powerful poetry reading by Joy Harjo, U.S. poet laureate and writer of the Mvskoke Nation.

• The Story of Samoset, Massasoit, and Squanto: Here's how three Indigenous men played a key role in the arrival of the Mayflower.

• A Tour with Quese IMC: Join the Pawnee and Seminole Native hip hop artist as he shares about music and culture in this video.

For Teens

• An Apache Rite of Passage: Follow a Mescalero Apache coming-of-age ceremony for girls entering womanhood.

• Living Maya Time: Dive into the complex Maya calendar system.

• Mapping Indigenous Lands: Use the interactive map to explore and talk about Native lands and languages.

• Meet Jim Thorpe: Learn more about the Olympic athlete, actor, and humanitarian.

• Native Food Traditions: Find out how Sean Sherman, known as the Sioux Chef, celebrates Indigenous food.

• Rising Voices/Hótȟaŋiŋpi: This film shows how people are trying to preserve the Lakota language.

Find more entertainment picks to explore Indigenous cultures and experiences.