Here at San Mateo County Libraries we honor the richly diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of indigenous peoples. We will be hosting several fun and educational Native American workshops and events for children and teens throughout the month of November.
Activities for Children
Southwest Clay Pot Workshop
Learn about the rituals, ceremonies, and everyday life of the Pueblo people from ancient times to today in this Peopleologie, opens a new window workshop. Meet kids like you who learned to weave traditional cloth, baskets, and pottery before starting first grade! Create your own clay pot using an ancient technique that is still in use today.
- Monday, November 5, 3:30 PM – San Carlos Library
- Wednesday, November 7, 3:00 PM – Woodside Library
- Tuesday, November 13, 3:30 PM – Portola Valley Library
- Monday, November 19, 4:00 PM – Brisbane Library
- Tuesday, November 20, 2:00 PM – Half Moon Bay Library
- Tuesday, November 27, 3:30 PM – Pacifica Sharp Park Library
Native California Weaving Workshop
How much do you know about our California ancestors? The Bay Area was home to indigenous peoples before anyone else. Learn how ancient ways are preserved today in this workshop by Peopleologie. Use your best knot tying and weaving skills to make a boat that floats.
Activities for Teens
Paint Like... Workshops
Hang out and paint! Express your artistic side at one of our fun Paint Like... workshops just for teens, led by Christie's Creative Cupboard, opens a new window. We'll learn about a Native American artist and create our own masterpieces
Paint Like Helen Hardin
- Saturday, November 3, 2:00 PM – Atherton Library
- Tuesday, November 6, 3:30 PM – Pacifica Sharp Park Library
- Tuesday, November 20, 4:00 PM – East Palo Alto Library
- Wednesday, November 21, 2:30 PM – Millbrae Library
Paint Like Margarete Bagshaw
- Wednesday, November 7, 3:30 PM – San Carlos Library
- Thursday, November 8, 2:00 PM – Portola Valley Library
- Saturday, November 10, 1:00 PM – Foster City Library
Paint Like Pop Chalee
- Saturday, November 24, 2:00 PM – Half Moon Bay Library
- Tuesday, November 27, 4:00 PM – Brisbane Library
Did You Know?
- Indigenous peoples have been living in North America for at least 15,000 years, and possibly for much longer.
- The United States currently has more than 500 federally recognized Native American tribes.
- There are many different Native American cultures, languages, and traditions.
- It is usually preferable to refer to indigenous peoples by their specific tribal name, rather than by broader terms like Native American or American Indian.
- Visit Native Knowledge 360°, opens a new window to learn more and test your knowledge.
What Should I Read for Native American Heritage Month?
Choose authentic titles that...
- are written by indigenous authors and illustrators who share their tribal origins.
- are set in present day.
- don't contain stereotypical images of indigenous peoples or their cultures.
- feature tribal specific customs and traditions.
- honor and respect the wisdom of elders.
- include nature, the environment, and ties to the land as key themes.
- include indigenous languages.
Indigenous Books to Check out Today!
Adult Fiction
Try the recently released title by Oakland-based author Tommy Orange, There There
For Children
In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse
For Teens
Need More Book Recommendations?
- Start with the American Indian Library Association's list of American Indian Youth Literature Award winners, opens a new window.
- Subscribe to Debbie Reese's blog, American Indians in Children's Literature, opens a new window, to stay up to date on indigenous literature for children and teens.
How are you celebrating Native American Heritage month? Let us know below!
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