Multicultural Education at IMS - Native American Heritage Month 2025-2026

November is designated as National Native American Heritage Month. This observance commemorates the history, heritage, and culture of Native Americans. It is during this month we acknowledge the vast achievements of America’s original indigenous people and provide a platform for Native people in the United States of America to share their culture, traditions, music, crafts, dance, and ways of life.

2025-2026 Artifacts

Iselin Middle School's Plan for Native American Heritage Month

Teachers will create and facilitate classroom lessons for the month of November that focus on Native American Heritage Month
The School Counseling/Guidance department will create and display a Native American Heritage Month bulletin board that highlights prominent Native American figures.
Students from Mr. Vitale's and Ms. Leone's class worked together to create totem poles representing Iselin Middle School.

Ms. Popino - Ballerina Maria Tallcheif

Students discussed what they know about ballet and watched a video about Maria Tallchief. Students answered questions in a Google Form to ensure they paid attention during the video. Students reflected on her life and answered the question "Why is it important to learn Maria Tallchief's story". Students submitted the form then turned to a partner to share their answered.

Examples of students answers:

"It is important to learn her story because she was the first American to be part of the ballet world. She proved to the world that Americans can be up to par with the Russians and Europeans"

"It's important because you should know that no matter what your backround is or culture is you can do anything anyone else can do she never gave up so dont YOU."

"It is important to learn Maria Tallchief's story because it inspired others to not give up when you are teased by your religion or ethnicity. She was the only one that danced for her background, and people teased her, but she didn't give up."

"It is important to learn about Maria Tallchief's story because we should know all of the obstacles Maria has faced to get to her dream career and to show that she did not let the mean comments get to her and ruining her dreams."

"It is important to learn Maria Tallchief's story because she was discriminated against for being a Native-American dancer, but she never gave up. This can show us that the only thing that matters is the amount of skill and passion that you have."

Mr. Abatemarco - Code Talkers

Students learned about Native Americans who were pivotal in fighting IN THE Pacific in WW2. They read the article from Scope Magazine and then participated in a discussion about their impact in the war effort.

Code Talkers

Mrs. Hilarczyk - Native American Book Talks

Throughout the month, book talks were given highlighting Native American authors and subjects.

Mr. Vitale and Mrs. Leone

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, students created parts of a totem pole to express their understanding and respect for indigenous cultures. The totem pole is a symbol deeply rooted in Native American traditions and became a canvas for the class.

In groups, the students chose an animal to add to the face of the totem pole that would represent students and their diverse qualities/ characteristics. From the wisdom of the owl, to the resilience of the bear, the totem pole captures the multifaceted nature of the student body.

Totem Pole Group Worksheet - SOPHIA LEONE.docx

Resources

National Museum of the American Indian