Several times a year the Penn's Village Inclusiveness and Diversity Committee recommends several resources to help our members and friends to be more aware of the racial biases in each of us and in our society, and the resulting inequities, past and present. It is the committee’s hope that this information may even inspire us to make corrective changes. These resources assembled by Penn’s Village members represent different mediums, different perspectives and experiences, and diverse authors.
Penn’s Village welcomes and actively encourages an inclusive and diverse community of members, staff, Board of Directors and volunteers. Inclusiveness and diversity mean welcoming all and excluding no one because of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, physical abilities, religious beliefs or political beliefs.
At the very bottom of this page, blog readers have the opportunity to comment. The Inclusiveness and Diversity Committee welcomes your opinions about any of our suggested resources and any suggestions about their mission.
November, 2024 Native American Heritage Month
A YouTube Video: Standing Bear vs Crook
In this 1879 landmark civil rights case Native Americans were recognized for the first time as persons under the law rather than as wards of the government. To learn the background of this case and why a sculpture of Chief Standing Bear occupies a place of honor in the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall, view this not-to-be missed 8-minute YouTube presentation by click here.
America’s National Park Service Commemorates and Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
America is a vast land of many cultures dating back thousands of years to the original inhabitants of the land. The history and heritage of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Island communities are part of our national parks today. To discover how the National Park Service celebrates the rich traditions, languages, and contributions of Indigenous people, click here.
Consider also visiting the Native American Museum in Washington D.C.
Books: Must Read Books by Indigenous Authors
A way to learn more about Native Americans is to read Native American authors. One suggestion read is Never Whistle at Night edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. This book of short stories introduces readers to the belief of many indigenous people that one should never whistle at night because that can summon evil spirits to appear and even to follow you home. These original, shiver-inducing tales introduce readers to ghosts, hauntings, complex family legacies and chilling acts of revenge. To learn more about this book and scores of other books by Indigenous authors, click here .
Movie: Horizon: An American Saga
Kevin Costner co-wrote, directed, and stars in this Western epic about the expansion, settlement, and conflict between settlers and indigenous peoples. This is not a stereotypical film about cowboys and Indians. Rather, it is a portrayal of the real life struggle between two peoples and cultures. This film can be seen for free on HBO or On Demand for $5.99. Other films that depict this similar struggle include the 1990 film Dances with Wolves, also staring Kevin Costner and the 1992 film The Last of the Mohicans staring Daniel Day-Lewis. Both of these films can be rented On Demand for $3.99.