Indigenous People's Month: Library Resources to Learn More and Engage
Honoring Indigenous Peoples & Native Americans: Learning, Listening, and Celebrating at the Library
Many communities observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day & Native American Heritage Month, shifting the focus away from celebrating colonization and toward honoring the first peoples of this land—their histories, cultures, and ongoing contributions.
For libraries, this isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder of our responsibility: to tell fuller stories, to amplify Indigenous & Native American voices, and to make sure our shelves, programs, and spaces reflect the people whose lands we’re on.
Our library invites you to join us in celebration, reflection, and learning.
Why Indigenous Peoples’ Day & Native American Heritage Month Matters
For generations, U.S. history has often been told from a single perspective—usually centering European exploration and settlement. Indigenous Peoples’ Day & Native American Heritage Month asks us to step back and ask: Whose stories are missing? Whose voices were silenced?
The holiday recognizes that Indigenous peoples are not just historical figures in textbooks, but present-day communities, leaders, artists, and knowledge keepers, continuing to shape our world. Many cities and states now officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day & Native American Heritage Month in place of or alongside Columbus Day, reflecting a broader shift toward more honest, inclusive history.
For us as a library, that means:
Highlighting Indigenous authors and creators
Providing resources created by Indigenous scholars and communities, not just about them
Encouraging respectful, curiosity-driven learning at every age
How Durham Tech Is Celebrating
Durham Tech Library offers a variety of ways to engage with Indigenous perspectives—whether you like to read, watch, listen, or participate.
1. Featured Book Displays
Look for our Indigenous Voices displays in the library, featuring:
Fiction & poetry by Indigenous authors
Nonfiction on history, contemporary issues, and Indigenous rights
Children’s picture books that center Indigenous kids and families
Teen & graphic novels showcasing Indigenous characters and creators
These displays are a great starting point if you’re thinking, “I want to read more Indigenous authors, but I don’t know where to start.” (We’ve all been there. That’s literally what we’re here for.)
2. Films
Selected documentaries and films by Indigenous filmmakers
Films on Demand discussions focusing on historical context, media representation, and ways to support Indigenous communities today
3. Learning Beyond the Holiday
Although Indigenous Peoples’ Day is one day in October, Indigenous history and culture are not a “one-day-only” topic. They continue into Native American Heritage Month in November.
How to Engage Respectfully
If you’re newer to these topics, it’s totally normal to feel unsure where to begin. Here are some simple, practical ways to learn and honor Indigenous communities:
Read or watch content created by Indigenous & Native peoples. Prioritize authors, filmmakers, historians, and journalists who are speaking from within their own communities.
Question the “single story.” If you learned neat, simplified versions of history in school, it’s okay to update your mental files. That’s growth, not guilt.
Avoid stereotypes. Indigenous peoples are incredibly diverse—different nations, languages, cultures, and traditions. There is no one “Native experience.”
Support Indigenous-led organizations and businesses. Learning is important; so is material support when and where you’re able.
And remember: it’s fine to not know everything. Curious and respectful is better than silent and uncomfortable.
What You’ll Find at the Library
Here are just a few types of resources you can explore with your library card:
Books: from historical overviews to contemporary Indigenous speculative fiction
E-books & audiobooks: perfect if you prefer to listen or read on the go
Research databases: helpful for educators, parents, and students looking for classroom-ready materials about Indigenous history and present-day issues.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask a librarian—tell us what you like (mystery, romance, sci-fi, poetry, graphic novels, history deep dives, etc.), and we’ll help you find Indigenous authors in that lane.