January marked one year since the 'Book from the Nook' project debuted at the Museum of the Southeast American Indian at UNC Pembroke.

The 'Book from the Nook' is a Native authors series featuring Native children's books. During a Facebook live on the third Tuesday of each month, a Native author or reader shares a children's book about Native culture, history and identity. These books are fun and relate essential lessons and ideas of understanding about Native cultures.

The readings are available on the museum website, which allows parents to share these cultural stories with their children at home. Teachers can use the videos to incorporate Native history and culture into the classroom.

Alicia Thomas, the museum’s Education and Community Engagement curator, is excited about the project's format. "The stories we hear shape our lives – part of our mission is to amplify and support Native voices and experiences, and this online book series is the perfect platform for that," Thomas said.

The books are available in our museum store and make great gifts and essential additions to any child's book collection.

We urge people to follow our Facebook page for the exciting museum programs. The books for 2024 are “Remember,” “Simon the Snake, What Your Ribbon Skirt Means to Me,” “Finding My Dance,” “Still This Love Goes On,” “We are Water Protectors,” “Be a Good Ancestor,” “Nimoshom and His Bus,” “Bowwow Powwow,” “Rock Your Mocs,” “We Are Grateful” and “The Christmas Coat.”

Nancy Fields, museum director and curator, said, "This program allows teachers to enhance the educational experiences for students by providing children's literature about Native Americans into their curriculum. By offering a year-long reading program, parents and teachers are afforded authentic learning resources that expand and enhance often limited American Indian teaching in the classroom."