Explore Indigenous Voices: 10 Books for Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is the perfect time to immerse yourself in Indigenous history and stories.

From powerful histories to captivating fiction, these 10 must-read books—five non-fiction and five fiction—are essential for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Native American culture and experiences.

So, grab a cozy spot, and let’s explore these literary treasures!

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Non-Fiction Native American Heritage Month Books

“An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

• • This essential read offers a comprehensive look at U.S. history from an Indigenous perspective. Dunbar-Ortiz challenges conventional narratives, providing an eye-opening exploration of the past that is crucial for understanding the present.

“Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer

• Blending science with Indigenous wisdom, Kimmerer’s book is a beautiful exploration of the natural world. This must-read Native American book offers a unique perspective on how we can live more harmoniously with nature.

“Heart Berries” by Terese Marie Mailhot

• A raw and powerful memoir, “Heart Berries” delves into the complexities of mental illness, trauma, and survival. Mailhot’s storytelling is both heartbreaking and inspiring, making it a standout among Native American non-fiction books.

“The Other Slavery: The Uncovered Story of Indian Enslavement in America” by Andrés Reséndez

• This book sheds light on a largely forgotten chapter of American history—the enslavement of Indigenous peoples. Reséndez’s meticulously researched work is a must-read for those looking to understand the full scope of Native American history.

“Our History Is the Future: Standing Rock Versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance” by Nick Estes

• Written by a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, this book connects the contemporary fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline to centuries of Indigenous resistance. It’s an inspiring and important read for Native American Heritage Month.

Fiction Native American Heritage Month Books

“There There” by Tommy Orange

• This powerful debut novel weaves together the stories of twelve characters as they converge at a Pow Wow in Oakland. Tommy Orange’s gripping narrative explores themes of identity, displacement, and the modern Native American experience.

“The Round House” by Louise Erdrich

• A National Book Award winner, “The Round House” is a compelling mystery set on a North Dakota reservation. Erdrich tackles difficult issues like justice and trauma in this must-read Native American fiction book.

“Ceremony” by Leslie Marmon Silko

• A classic in Native American literature, “Ceremony” tells the story of Tayo, a Laguna Pueblo man returning home from World War II. Silko’s novel beautifully intertwines personal healing with cultural storytelling, making it an essential read.

“Winter Counts” by David Heska Wanbli Weiden

• This thrilling novel follows Virgil Wounded Horse, a vigilante enforcer on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, as he seeks justice in a broken legal system. Weiden’s gritty storytelling makes this a standout in Native American fiction.

Check out my interview the author David Heska Wanbli Weiden!

“The Night Watchman” by Louise Erdrich

• Based on the life of Erdrich’s grandfather, this novel explores the fight against the termination of Native rights in the 1950s. It’s a poignant and uplifting read, perfect for anyone looking to explore Native American fiction during Heritage Month.

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These 10 must-read Native American Heritage Month books offer a diverse range of perspectives, from historical accounts to contemporary fiction. Whether you’re looking to learn more about history or get lost in a great story, these books are sure to enrich your understanding of Indigenous cultures.

Happy reading!

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