Native American Heritage Month: Te Ata, a Celebration of Life and Culture

To help celebrate Native American Heritage Month, each weekly November post will highlight a different cultural activity!

There are many students and teachers who do not know about Native American storyteller Te Ata, whose real name was Mary Thompson Fisher. She was an actress, artist, singer, songwriter, politician, and so much more... Now, her life has been made into a major motion picture! Preview the trailer then get ready for the premier at a movie theater close to you. 

To honor Mary Fisher and the premier of the new movie, Te Ata, here are some activities to learn more about the lady who shared her culture and life with the world:

There is a lot to learn about Mary Fisher! Direct students to multigenre media information by visiting the Oklahoma Historical Society article then read an NPR interview about the making of the movie. The Smithsonian Newsdesk has an overview of the Chickasaw Nation play based on Te Ata's life. Finally, before seeing the movie, review the cast list and a plot overview of the movie and fill in the handouts above. 

Return weekly throughout the month of November for Native American activities!

Happy Native American Month!
Educator Helper