Most parents today are aware of cultural bias. Most public schools reflect our diverse society, representing children from various countries, races and cultural backgrounds. Yet one group still struggles to shed the numerous myths, fallacies and ingrained prejudices that define its culture. That group is American Indians.

North Carolina’s American Indian population is the largest of any state east of the Mississippi River. The federal government currently recognizes the Eastern Band of the Cherokee. (Federal recognition provides certain benefits and privileges and creates a sovereign entity for the tribe.) The state of North Carolina recognizes eight tribes: Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony, and Waccamaw-Siouan.

Most children know about Indian culture through mass media, such as television and movies. As a result, many children understand American Indians as a historically anachronistic entity portrayed through Disney’s “Pocahontas” and through most westerns or other venues that portray them as historically and culturally irrelevant.

North Carolina’s tribal communities not only represent a rich and vibrant culture, but they mirror the general population. Tribal members today are doctors, lawyers, scientists, engineers, professors, managers, teachers and even astronauts. You wouldn’t know it from watching most mainstream media or from watching children portray Indians while using typical cultural biases when playing.

However, you have an opportunity to introduce your children to North Carolina’s rich American Indian history and culture. On Saturday, Nov. 22, the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh will host its 13th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than 100 musicians, dancers, artists, storytellers and authors from North Carolina’s state-recognized tribes will gather for this popular family event. The day’s activities include performances, craft demonstrations, hands-on activities, food and a wide array of activities designed for children. Admission is free. For the event schedule, go to ncmuseumofhistory.org or call 919-807-7900.
November is American Indian Heritage Month. Help us celebrate this group’s contributions to what makes North Carolina so special and unique.

B.J. Davis, curator of education for the N.C. Museum of History, writes monthly for TriangleMom2Mom about making North Carolina history fun to kids.

Check out our other daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:

MONDAY: Meet!
TUESDAY: Ask!
WEDNESDAY: Eat!
THURSDAY: Play!
FRIDAY: Out!

WEEKEND: Relax!