Are you wondering how to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day or Native American Heritage Month in November? Why not explore a few fantastic people with these easy STEM and art activities? These simple to-do projects are an excellent addition to your lesson plans and hands-on learning this year.
Who are Indigenous People?
Indigenous Peoples are distinct social and cultural groups that share collective ancestral ties to the lands and natural resources where they live, occupy or from which they have been displaced.
The land and natural resources on which they depend are inextricably linked to their identities, cultures, livelihoods, as well as their physical and spiritual well-being.
World Bank
Why Study Indigenous Peoples?
Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of all people worldwide is essential. Here, we aim to share their lives and works.
There are so many people who make this world great—women, people of color, and indigenous peoples. Let’s do our best to share a mix of these exceptional people. Give your kiddos the opportunity to find someone like them to connect with or inspire.
To extend the learning, you could explore more famous people from history worldwide. Check out our Famous Artists and our Famous Scientists. Both feature many remarkable men and women, past and present, to learn about.
Indigenous Peoples Activities
Explore amazing Indigenous peoples who have made a significant contribution to our world, from the great outdoors to outer space. Each person listed below has a simple project for kids to try and some basic information about their lives.
- Bronwyn Bancroft: Artist
- Kenojuak Ashevak: Artist
- John Herrington: Astronaut
- Susan Picotte: Doctor
- Lloyd Kiva New: Artist
Click here or below to instantly download the Indigenous peoples ideas page
Bronwyn Bancroft
Create a fun and colorful landscape painting inspired by Australian Indigenous artist Bronwyn Bancroft. Experiment with dot painting with our printable landscape template.
Bronwyn Bancroft has made an immense contribution to Australian children’s literature by representing Indigenous storytellers and supporting many local Indigenous artists.
Kenojuak Ashevak
Canadian Indigenous artist Kenojuak Ashevak created amazing art inspired by nature, and she became one of the most well-known Inuit artists after her work, The Enchanted Owl, was featured on a Canadian postage stamp.
John Herrington
John Herrington is a retired United States Naval Aviator, engineer, and former NASA astronaut. In 2002, Herrington became the first Native American in space.
He also served as the commander of the NEEMO 6 mission, living and working underwater for 10 days. For a fun STEM project, build your own Aquarius Reef Base from simple supplies.
Susan Picotte
Susan La Flesche Picotte, born in 1865, was one of the first American Indigenous peoples and the first Indigenous woman to earn a medical degree.
On many occasions, Dr Picotte would have used a stethoscope to treat patients. Build a working stethoscope you can try out yourself.
Lloyd Kiva New
His innovative approach included using bold shapes, patterns, and colors drawn from nature and Native American traditions. Through this activity, kids can learn about Kiva New’s artistic style and create colorful paper collages inspired by his work.
- Find the paper collage art project here.
More Famous People Projects to Explore!
