November is recognized nationally as Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the history, culture, and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples.
At Bellingham Public Library we celebrate this heritage through our commitment to recognizing and supporting Indigenous voices. Our Library staff thoughtfully curates recommendations for reading, listening, and viewing across all ages, offering resources that highlight Native American stories, histories, and perspectives.
We invite our community to explore Native American Heritage materials and engage with the rich traditions and contributions of Native American cultures.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that we gather on territory that has been the traditional and ancestral homeland to the Lhaq’temish (the Lummi people), the Nooksack people, and other Coast Salish tribes of this region Since Time Immemorial.
We honor our shared responsibility to this land and these waters, we commit to learning from Indigenous wisdom, and we strive to repair and deepen our relationships as neighbors and friends.
Native American Heritage Books for Adults
Bellingham Public Library has a wide range of relevant titles for adults. Fiction works written by Indigenous authors or featuring Indigenous characters; historical nonfiction that reveals the beauty, the pain, and the truth of the Native American experience; poetry that will captivate and awaken the reader’s imagination.
Check out the Indigenous Voices: Books for Adults list on the Library’s website and browse the Library’s display shelves in-person in November for more options.
We’ve also compiled a list of books located at the Bellingham Public Library on Salish History and Culture for researching and reading about the tribes native to the Pacific Northwest. Some of these titles can be checked out, and others may be used only in-library.
Library Staff Recommends:
Lamentations of Nezahualcóyotl by Nezahualcóyotl
“Translated from Nahuatl, Lamentations is a fascinating look into the history and culture of the Mexica and Chichimeca people, through the poetry ascribed to one of the most famous poet-kings of the Pre-Columbian era.”
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
Nature Poem by Tommy Pico (available in eAudiobook format only)
“Tommy Pico’s poetry is fresh, savvy, and self-aware. A celebration of the self, and a sharp examination of the idea of what an indigenous poet ‘must’ write about to be considered an indigenous poet.”
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
The Serviceberry By Robin Wall Kimmerer (Adult Nonfiction)
“I really appreciate Kimmerer’s economic philosophy of abundance and reciprocity. She gives me hope for the future. This book is short too, so it’s a perfect bite-sized entry into the idea of a gift economy. Kimmerer is also one of the chillest audiobook readers I have encountered.”
– Lorena, Public Services Clerk
White Magic: Essays by Elissa Washuta (Adult Nonfiction)
“These powerful essays detail the author’s witchy obsessions (familiar to all 1990s girls), and links them with her Cowlitz tribal identity, her spirituality, and the way American pop culture invades your brain. Her style is remarkable, and I’m going to reread this – it’s hard to absorb all at once.”
– Karen, Public Services Clerk
Native American Heritage Books for Teens
Take a look at the Native Voices list for Middle Grade and YA books by Native American and First Nations authors for some great suggestions.
Library Staff Recommends:
To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
“I need more Indigenous fantasy and this book provided! If you like intrepid heroines, dragon academies, and historical fantasy, then this book is a must read!” Recommended for ages 14+
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
Harvest House by Cynthia Leitich Smith
“What if you discovered an actual haunting while working on a ‘fake’ haunted house for Halloween? Part mystery, part slice-of-life as an Indigenous teenager living in the Midwest, Harvest House will have you routing for Hughie Wolfe every step of the way.” Recommended for ages 14+
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
Dakwäkãda Warriors by Cole Pauls
“This interstellar romp was so much fun! This book features over 100 words from the Southern Tutchone dialect, creating a playful space to learn and explore. Come for the cyborg sasquatch, stay for the language revitalization!” Recommended for: ages 14+
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
Native American Heritage Books for Children
BPL’s Children’s Librarians have put together some fantastic recommendations for Native American Heritage Month for kids of all ages.
For younger kids, take a look at the Staff Picks page of the Libary’s website where you’ll find the Indigenous Voices: Picture Books list.
For older readers, here’s the link to our Indigenous Voices: Chapter Books list.
Library Staff Recommends:
The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich
Children’s Fiction (recommended ages 8 and up)
“This book has such beautiful writing. The main character is so relatable for the intended age group–she wants to take on more and be viewed as competent, but is very much still a kid, and she alternately has caring, loving relationships with her siblings, and petty jealous fights. There are so many parallels in here to other stories that have been told from the settler perspective, which opens the door very neatly into discussions about things like the lasting effects of westward expansion, but also why there are so many books and stories published about pioneers and settlers, and so few like this?” Recommended for ages 8 and up
– Lorena, Public Services Clerk
The Land Knows Me by Leigh Joseph
Take a nature walk with our new friends and learn ethical foraging practices, as well as all the interesting uses and history of local PNW plants. Incorporating Squamish language and culture, Joseph showcases how the best way to get to know your local area is to get out and experience it.” Recommended for ages 6-11
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
“This story makes the concept and curiosity of “time immemorial” accessible to a younger audience and encourages readers to explore the history of their own communities. Learning factually accurate history about our country is important. Highlighting indigenous voices is important.” Recommended for ages 5-8
– Mandee, Children’s Programming Specialist
“With beautiful illustrations and a heartfelt story, Who Am I? follows a young indigenous girl as she explores her place in the world, her relationship to the land, and the generations who came before her.” Recommended for ages 5-8
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
Since Time Immemorial Kits
Since Time Immemorial Kits serve as an access point for learning and exploration. Each kit comes in a rolling container and contains an assortment of books, cds, learning activity and resource notebook.
Native American Heritage in Film
Kanopy, a film streaming service that all library patrons can access for free, has curated some great lists featuring Native Americans stories. Whether you enjoy documentaries or feature films, there’s something for everyone. Log in to Kanopy and take a look at these selections!
Links for more Information
Children of the Setting Sun Productions
Off the Rez Native Food Truck and Cafe
Resilience Circle Digital Stories
