Native American Heritage Day

Native American Heritage Day is a special day to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native American heroes. In this short play for kids, a group of students meet some of the incredible people who shaped the story of America. Excellent for elementary school performances or assemblies.

Excerpt from the play:

CHARACTERS:

Narrator
Sitting Bull – A Lakota leader and warrior known for his resistance against U.S. expansion.

Sacagawea – A Shoshone woman who guided Lewis and Clark on their expedition.

Chief Joseph – Leader of the Nez Perce, known for his famous speech and efforts to protect his people.

Wilma Mankiller – The first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Jim Thorpe – A legendary Native American athlete of the Sac and Fox Nation, considered one of the greatest athletes in history.

Maria Tallchief – A pioneering Osage ballet dancer, America’s first prima ballerina.

Deb Haaland – A member of the Laguna Pueblo, one of the first Native American women elected to U.S. Congress.

Scene 1: Introduction to Native American Heritage Day

(The stage is set simply, with a large map of the United States in the background, decorated with symbols representing various Native American nations. The Narrator stands center stage.)

Narrator:
Welcome, everyone, to our special play celebrating Native American Heritage Day! Today, we honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native American heroes. Let’s meet some of the incredible people who shaped the story of this land.

(The Narrator gestures toward the side of the stage, where the first character steps out.)

Scene 2: Sitting Bull

Sitting Bull (stepping forward, proudly):
I am Sitting Bull, leader of the Lakota Sioux. I stood for the freedom of my people and our right to live on the land of our ancestors. When settlers came to take our land, I led my people in the Battle of Little Bighorn, where we fought to protect our way of life. I resisted because I believed in the power of our people.

Narrator:
Sitting Bull fought not just with weapons, but with wisdom and leadership. He helped preserve his people’s way of life for as long as he could, becoming a symbol of resistance and bravery.

Scene 3: Sacagawea

(Sacagawea steps forward, cradling a baby in her arms.)

Sacagawea (smiling gently):
I am Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman, and I journeyed with Lewis and Clark across the great lands of the West. I carried my son with me on the journey and used my knowledge of the land to guide them safely. I spoke several languages, helped them communicate with other tribes, and found food along the way.

Narrator:
Without Sacagawea’s guidance and strength, the famous expedition would have faced greater dangers. She is remembered as a symbol of bravery, knowledge, and leadership.

Scene 4: Chief Joseph

(Chief Joseph steps forward, looking determined yet calm.)

Chief Joseph:
I am Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce. I led my people in an attempt to find peace, but we were forced to flee our homeland. We traveled over a thousand miles to seek safety, but in the end, we were captured. I said, “I will fight no more forever,” because I wanted peace for my people, even when it seemed impossible.

Narrator:
Chief Joseph’s words and actions showed great strength, even in the face of great loss. His message of peace and justice still inspires us today.