How to Throw a Native American-Themed Birthday Party

Summary: Native Americans have a rich, colorful culture that has suffered considerably at the hands of European settlers. There is no argument against that point. What many people do argue, however, is how fair or humane the appropriations of Native American culture into the Euroamerican mainstream have been. Thanksgiving celebrations in schools, portrayals in film, themed birthday parties with paper-bag costumes and sports mascots are just a few of the areas that raise contention. This struggle is not unique, however, and American mainstream culture is a pastiche of cultural borrowings, some more whimsical than others. Think of what we have done with Free Masons, turning them from solemn order to farcical boogeymen, or English history, making films like “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” or, for that matter, Roman Catholicism, astrology, Greek philosophy, German folk literature, or a number of other memes we treat with ridicule or as child’s play.

In this free video series, our expert party planner will teach you how to throw a Native American-themed party for kids. She covers decorations, costumes, coming up with Native American names for party-goers, games that celebrate Native American heritage and more. You will learn about dances, fruit and food, hunting buffalo and headdresses. Our expert fills the videos with crafts, games and great ideas to make the most of your kids’ parties, whether for birthday celebrations, school events or whatever reason.