Empowering Indigenous voices throughout Native American Heritage Month

November marks Nationwide Native American Heritage Month, a interval during which we acknowledge and honor those that known as the land now often known as the US dwelling lengthy earlier than colonists arrived. In keeping with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, there are at present 574 federally acknowledged nations with roughly 1% of scholars attending public U.S. colleges figuring out as American Indian or Alaskan Native (AI/AN). We should additionally remember that some communities usually are not federally or state acknowledged or now not exist right now. 

We at Microsoft attempt to take concrete steps towards making certain equitable schooling, inclusive careers, and illustration via media that fosters numerous views and helps tribal sovereignty. All year long, we honor and worth Indigenous communities as we acknowledge that the historical past and present-day expertise of AI/AN individuals is marked by cultural perseverance, modern adaptation, revitalization, and enduring resilience.

Perceive and honor Indigenous cultures with Flip 

Be part of Flip for a reside dialog and useful resource share on November 15, 2023, at 3:00 PM PT to be taught in regards to the numerous cultures of Indigenous and Native peoples. Discover tips on how to perceive and honor Indigenous heritage, language, customs, and traditions in your classroom and past. On this session, you will achieve insights from the concepts and examples supplied by fellow educators and Flip Discovery Companions. Moreover, you will uncover sources and actions that will help you train about and have fun the historical past, achievements, and contributions of Indigenous and Native peoples. Be taught extra and register for this free Flip occasion. 

Have a good time Indigenous cultures with Minecraft Schooling

Microsoft Canada has unveiled a brand new world for Minecraft Schooling, created in collaboration with the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation and the College District 43 (Coquitlam) Schooling staff in British Columbia, Canada, to lift consciousness in regards to the distinctive views and artistry of coastal peoples within the Pacific Northwest.  

On this immersive, multidisciplinary expertise, college students (grades 2 via 12) journey again in time to assist a coastal group put together for winter utilizing sustainable harvesting practices. By means of participation in these practices, college students will achieve an understanding of Indigenous conventional ecological data and the interconnectedness of all residing and non-living issues. Moreover, College students will find out about and carry out harvest duties and construct their very own self-sustaining village. Try A Pacific Northwest Coast Expertise and obtain the world to get began. 

You’re additionally invited to affix us for a particular studying sequence to discover A Pacific Northwest Coast Expertise. This free sequence features a skilled improvement workshop for educators and two co-taught classes for college kids, beginning on October thirtieth at 3:15 PM PT. Be taught extra in regards to the free studying sequence and register right now. 

Be taught from elders and data keepers, carry out harvest duties, and construct a self-sustaining village with A Pacific Northwest Coast Expertise in Minecraft Schooling.

Discover extra Minecraft Schooling worlds that honor the experiences of Indigenous cultures whereas constructing tutorial expertise: 

Fight misinformation and foster AI/AN-inclusive studying in your classroom 

Over time, an overgeneralization of Indigenous individuals and nations has failed to acknowledge the variety of native cultures discovered throughout the globe. Likewise, instruction about Native People is commonly taught via a lens from the previous, quite than recognizing the lively and numerous tribal nations that exist right now. To assist you all year long, we have now cultivated a set of sources to pair along with your favourite Microsoft options.  

Discover these guiding ideas, educational methods, and sources that will help you enrich your educating and proper inaccurate studying about Indigenous peoples. 

Have a good time Indigenous histories and empower Indigenous voices throughout Native American Heritage Month and year-round. Be part of us in taking motion to combine numerous views, appropriate inaccuracies, and foster inclusivity, honoring the wealthy historical past of Indigenous communities.