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Mni Sota Makoce
The Land of the Dakota
Author Gwen Westerman, Author Bruce White
Minnesota Historical Society Press (September 1, 2012)
An intricate narrative of the Dakota people over the centuries in their traditional homelands, the stories behind the profound connections that hold true today. Dakota history did not begin with the U.S.– Dakota War of 1862—nor did it end there. Mni Sota Makoce is, more than anything, a celebration of the Dakota people through their undisputed connection to this place, Minnesota, in the past, present, and future.
”Native Report” video interview of Dr. Bruce White, and Dr. Gwen Westerman (Dakota), authors of Mni Sota Makoce
Dakota Wicohan – a nonprofit organization in Morton, MN with the mission to preserve Dakota as a living language, and through it, transmit Dakota life ways to future generations; Wicohan (Wee-cho-hah) means the Dakota way of life. Along with much information about the Dakota language, Dakota Wicohan also has a number of educational resources and programs for communities and schools, including a 6th grade curriculum: Mni Sóta Maḳoce: The Dakota Homelands.
Understand Native Minnesota is a multifaceted strategic initiative and philanthropic campaign focused on Native American narrative change in Minnesota’s schools. This campaign aims to improve public attitudes toward Native Americans by incorporating greater awareness and sensitive treatment of Native Americans, along with accurate information about their history, culture, and modern tribal governments into Minnesota’s K-12 education system
“Books are Good Medicine” is a new podcast exploring books and other K-12 teaching resources on the Native American experience. For many Indigenous communities, storytelling has been a critical component to cultural identity and healing for generations. Reading offers a form of good medicine – fiction and non-fiction books alike have the power to inspire, inform and empower students as they discover the world around them. Books written about and by Native Americans offer not only insights into their rich cultural heritage but also universal themes of resilience and community. Reading these stories in the classroom provides Native students with a sense of cultural validation and pride, while also offering their non-Native peers valuable perspectives on Native history and culture. By sharing this content, educators can contribute to building a greater understanding and appreciation of Native people.
Join hosts Allison Waukau and Odia Wood-Krueger as they provide guidance to educators and engaging discussion on a wide variety of Native books and teaching resources which can be useful in K-12 classroom teaching.
Click here to see the list of available Episodes
IllumiNative is an unapologetically ambitious and innovative Native women-led organization, grounded in core Native values and community, and guided by research. Its mission is to build power for Native peoples by amplifying contemporary Native voices, stories, and issues to advance justice, equity, and self-determination. We utilize research, narrative and culture change strategies, movement-building, and organizing to disrupt the invisibility of Native peoples, re-educate Americans, and mobilize public support for key Native issues.
Minnesota History Center: Our Home Native Minnesota (exhibit)
American Indians Children’s Literature (AICL)
Established in 2006 by Dr. Debbie Reese of Nambé Pueblo, American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) provides critical analysis of Indigenous peoples in children's and young adult books. Dr. Jean Mendoza joined AICL as a co-editor in 2016.
https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/p/best-books.html Lists of best books reviewed for AICL from 2010 – 2023; includes board books, graphic novels, literature award winners, books for elementary, middle school and high school students
https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/p/native-nonfiction.html List of reviewed Native Nonfiction
https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/p/historical-fiction.html List of reviewed Historic Fiction
https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/p/historical-fiction.html List of NOT recommended books
https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/p/recommended-materials- government-and.html Resources: Boarding and Residential Schools
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