American Indian Nations in the Modern Era

Students can explore books, hands-on items, and flags about the federally recognized tribes of Oklahoma.

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Books and Items

American Indians of the Southeast by Michael Johnson, illustrated by Richard Hook – This book examines the history and culture of the American Indians of the Southeast United States

Art of the American Indian Frontier: A Portfolio from the Detroit Institute of Arts – This booklet includes 24 pictures and brief histories of American Indian pieces, including clothing, jewelry, and other decorative and ceremonial objects.

Cherokee A-B-C Coloring Book – This has Cherokee words for every letter of the English alphabet and can be copied for classroom use.

Cherokee Syllabary Blocks - Created by Cherokee silversmith Sequoyah in the 1820s, the Cherokee syllabary allowed the Cherokee, as a nation, to rapidly adopt a written version of their language.

Cheyenne Again – This is the story of a young boy who was sent to a mission school and tries to escape.

Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom – This is a story of a Choctaw girl who helped slaves cross the Bok Chitto River to freedom.

Delaware Nation of Oklahoma: A Brief Look at the Lenape Language by Lauryn French – This binder has various language activities and stories in both English and Lenape languages.

History Speaks: Chief Joseph Surrenders by Douglas M. Rife – This book has many activities for students on the topic of the Nez Perce War and American Indian contact with Europeans.

Horse and Bison Figurines – Both the horse and the bison were incredibly important to the way of life for many American Indian Nations. The horse was first introduced to American Indians during the 18th century when European explorers arrived in North America. The bison was a major resource for American Indians, and they would utilize every part of the bison to make food clothing, tools, etc.

Indians of North America: The Cheyenne by Stan Hoig – This book gives the reader a cultural history of the Cheyenne people, along with the tribe’s interactions with European contact through modern times.

Indians of North America: The Comanche by Willard H. Rollings – This book gives the reader a cultural history of the Comanche people, along with the tribe’s interactions with European contact through modern times.

Jim Thorpe’s Bright Path by Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by S.D. Nelson- This book focuses on how Jim Thorpe’s education helped make him the person and athlete he became.

Lacrosse Sticks and Ball – Many tribal nations, including the Muscogee (Creek), Seminole, and Cherokee, have played “stickball,” now known as lacrosse, for generations.

More Than Moccasins: A Kid’s Guide to Traditional North American Indian Life by Laurie Carlson – This book has more than 100 crafts and activities that encourage kids to have fun and be creative as they learn about American Indian life and values.

Mystic Horse by Paul Goble – This story is based on an old Pawnee story, “The Dun Horse.” This story tells us of the love Pawnee have for horses.

The Mud Pony, retold by Caron Lee Cohen, illustrated by Shonto Begay – This story exhibits the Pawnee belief that no matter where one comes from, a person can achieve anything through perseverance and having a humble spirit.

Nations of the Southwest by Amanda Bishop and Bobbie Kalman – This book describes the tribes that have been and are currently located in the Southwestern United States from ancient times through today.

Peacemakers of the Frontier: A History of the Delaware Tribe of Western Oklahoma by Duane K. Hale – This book is about the history of the Delaware Tribe.

The Peorias: A History of the Peoria Indian Tribe of Oklahoma, edited by Doris Valley and Mary M. Lembcke – This is a history of the Peoria from the 1600s through modern times.

Quanah Parker: Comanche Chief – This is the story of Quanah Parker’s life and how he maintained his tribal traditions while working together with others.

The Rabbit Hunt: A Story of a Young Boy’s Rite of Passage by Lisa Reed, illustrated by Ruby Bolding – This story is about a young Choctaw boy becoming a respected man and hunter within the tribe.

Spirits From the Sky, Thunder on the Land by Eric Carlson – This book tells the story of the Pawnee people, focusing on their connection and spirituality with astronomy.

Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina – This book tells the story of Maria Tallchief’s life as a ballerina and an Osage woman.

The Trial of Standing Bear – This book tells the story of Ponca Chief Standing Bear as he fought for his tribe’s right to be treated as American citizens.

Tools of Native Americans: A Kid’s Guide to the History & Culture of the First Americans by Kim Kavin – This book explores how the first Americans learned to survive and thrive by creating tools, culture, and a society based on their immediate environment.

Traditions of the Caddo by George A. Dorsey – This is a collection of stories collected from Caddo tribal members in the early twentieth century.

Turtle Tales: Oral Traditions of the Delaware Tribe of Western Oklahoma, edited by Duane K. Hale – This is a collection of traditional stories, recipes, customs, and histories told by Delaware tribal members.

When the Turtle Grew Feathers: A Folktale from the Choctaw Nation by Tim Tingle, illustrated by Stacey Schuett – This story is the Choctaw version of the classic tale The Tortoise and the Hare, part of Aesop’s Fables.