Printable Coloring Pages
First Nations / Aboriginal / Native American
Coloring pages to inspire children learning about Native Americans or First Nations indigenous people.
Where possible, support indigenous artists and communities by purchasing coloring books and art directly from them or through reputable sources that fairly compensate the creators. We're grateful to have had people with many different cultural backgrounds contribute to the site.
For many Indigenous peoples in North America and around the world, hair holds significant cultural, spiritual, and personal importance. In these traditions, hair is often seen as an extension of the self, a connection to one's identity, ancestors, and the Earth. The beliefs and practices surrounding hair can vary widely among different Indigenous communities, but a common theme is the idea that hair is sacred and should be treated with respect.
In some Indigenous cultures, it is believed that a person's hair is a physical manifestation of their thoughts and experiences, growing with them and recording their life journey. As such, cutting one's hair is not merely a physical act but carries deeper spiritual implications. For some, cutting hair might be reserved for times of mourning or significant life changes, serving as an external expression of an internal transformation or loss.
For an Indigenous child, the decision to grow or cut their hair would not be taken lightly and would often involve family, community, and cultural considerations. The act of not cutting hair might be a way to honor ancestral traditions, maintain a connection to cultural heritage, or adhere to specific spiritual beliefs associated with hair's length and care.
It's essential to recognize that practices and beliefs about hair can be deeply personal and vary greatly even within a single community. Respecting these practices involves acknowledging their significance and the autonomy of Indigenous individuals in choosing how to express their cultural and personal identity through their hair.
Role of Native American Men in Cultural Preservation
Native American men have played crucial roles in preserving and defending their cultures, often becoming symbols of resilience and leadership in the face of adversity. Figures such as Sitting Bull and Geronimo exemplify these roles through their unwavering commitment to their people and their cultural heritage.
Sitting Bull was a Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux chief and holy man known for his leadership and resistance against U.S. government policies. As a prominent figure in Native American history, he led his people in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, a significant victory against encroaching forces.
Beyond his military achievements, Sitting Bull was a spiritual leader who advocated for the preservation of Lakota traditions and the rights of his people. His legacy is one of resilience, respect for his culture, and a tireless pursuit of justice and peace for his people.
Geronimo, born Goyahkla, was a respected leader and medicine man of the Apache tribe. Renowned for his relentless resistance against Mexican and American forces, he became a symbol of Native American resilience and the struggle for freedom.
Despite his eventual capture and life as a prisoner of war, Geronimo remained a dignified representative of his people, later participating in public events to raise awareness of Native American issues. His life exemplifies the courage and endurance of the Apache people and their quest for respect and sovereignty.
Role of Native American Women in Cultural Preservation
Native American women have also been vital in preserving and promoting their cultures, often serving as leaders, diplomats, and spiritual guides within their communities. Figures like Nanyehi (Nancy Ward) and Lozen highlight the significant roles women have played in maintaining cultural heritage and advocating for their people's rights.
Nanyehi, also known as Nancy Ward, was a revered Cherokee leader and diplomat who earned the title of Ghigau, or "Beloved Woman," for her valor in battle and wisdom in peace. She played a pivotal role in advocating for peaceful coexistence between the Cherokee and European settlers, negotiating treaties, and protecting her people's rights.
Nanyehi's efforts to bridge cultural divides and her dedication to her people's welfare highlight her legacy as a symbol of reconciliation, cultural preservation, and desire for mutual respect.
Lozen was a warrior and spiritual leader of the Chihenne Chiricahua Apache, celebrated for her bravery and strategic acumen in battles against encroaching forces. As the sister of Chief Victorio, she fought alongside him and later with Geronimo.
Lozen's spiritual abilities to detect enemies and her unwavering dedication to her people's freedom made her a revered figure. Her story is one of fierce loyalty, cultural pride, and the ongoing fight for Apache sovereignty against those who sought to undermine their way of life.
Many men and women in Native American communities have been instrumental in preserving their cultures, often facing immense challenges with bravery and determination. Their legacies continue to inspire efforts towards cultural preservation today.
Butterflies:
The belief in butterflies as symbols of change, joy, and transformation is common across various Native American tribes, each with their own unique interpretations and stories. Here are a few examples of tribes that have particular associations involving butterflies:
Blackfoot Tribe: The Blackfoot people have a legend about how the first butterflies were created from fragments of rainbow, giving them their colorful and varied patterns.
Hopi Tribe: The Hopi regard butterflies as symbols of rebirth and renewal. They celebrate the Butterfly Dance, a ceremonial dance performed by young women and girls in late summer to pray for rain and the fertility of crops.
Zuni Tribe: In Zuni culture, butterflies are associated with beauty, balance, and transformation, and they are often depicted in their pottery and artwork.
Cherokee Tribe: The Cherokee have stories where butterflies bring messages and are associated with peace and happiness. They are also thought to be able to carry dreams and wishes to the Great Spirit.
Pueblo Tribes: Various Pueblo peoples incorporate butterfly motifs into their art and pottery, symbolizing renewal and the spring season.
These tribes incorporate the butterfly into their cultural narratives, art, and ceremonies, each imbuing it with spiritual significance and lessons about life's cyclical nature and the beauty of change.
The Seven Sacred Teachings:
The Seven Sacred Teachings, also known as the Seven Grandfather Teachings, are a set of guiding principles that are foundational in many Indigenous cultures across North America, particularly among Anishinaabe and some Cree communities. These teachings are represented by seven animals, each embodying a specific virtue that teaches us how to live in harmony with the natural world and with one another. They serve as a moral grounding for individual behavior and community well-being.
In some versions of the Seven Sacred Teachings include Sabe/Bigfoot, who stands for honesty. Be honest with yourself. Do not seek to deceive yourself or others.
Sabe, or Bigfoot, represents the teaching of Honesty in these sacred teachings. The figure of Sabe is significant in many Indigenous cultures, often seen as a powerful being that walks through the forest with great presence and purpose.
The principle of honesty, as taught by Sabe, encourages individuals to reflect on their actions and beliefs, ensuring they align with their true intentions and the greater good. It teaches that living a life of honesty is not only about avoiding deception but also about embracing authenticity, being genuine in our interactions, and acknowledging our own limitations and strengths. By embodying honesty, we foster a transparent, respectful, and supportive community environment where trust can flourish.
The Seven Sacred Teachings as a whole guide individuals towards a path of moral and ethical conduct, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of living a balanced and respectful life.
Eagle - Love: The Eagle, flying highest of all creatures, is said to be closest to the Creator. It teaches us to love and to see the world with the broadest perspective possible, encouraging an unconditional form of love that is the purest and most powerful.
Bear - Courage: The Bear represents courage, showing us the importance of facing our fears and standing up for our beliefs with strength and bravery. Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to overcome it.
Buffalo - Respect: The Buffalo, which gives every part of its being to sustain the lives of others, teaches us respect. This teaching emphasizes living in harmony with all others, showing consideration and regard for the well-being of both people and the environment.
Wolf - Humility: The Wolf lives for its pack, and its teaching is humility. It reminds us to think of others before ourselves and to understand that every being has a place and purpose, and no being is above another.
Turtle - Truth: The Turtle carries the truth of life on its back, the sacred teachings and the understanding that truth should be spoken in all matters. It teaches us to be honest and consistent in our actions, aligning them with the truths we hold.
Beaver - Wisdom: The Beaver uses its natural gifts wisely to build and create. This teaches us wisdom: to apply our own gifts towards a peaceful and fulfilling life, and to understand that each person has a unique contribution to make.
Raven - Knowledge: The Raven is known to be a keeper of secrets, and it teaches us about the importance of knowledge. This teaching encourages us to seek understanding and learn from our experiences and the world around us.
Traditional Stories of the North American Coastal Tribes:
Haida: The Haida people of the Pacific Northwest Coast have a profound connection to the sea and its creatures. Their mythology includes stories of orcas (killer whales), which are revered as powerful and majestic beings. Orcas are often depicted in Haida art and are considered to be the guardians of the sea, capable of transforming into humans.
Inuit: The Inuit, who live in the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska, have a deep cultural and spiritual connection with marine mammals, including whales, seals, and walruses. These animals feature prominently in their traditional stories, legends, and art. The Sedna myth is a well-known Inuit tale about the goddess of the sea and marine animals, explaining the origins of sea creatures and highlighting the importance of respecting the natural world.
Makah: The Makah Tribe, located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, has a long history of whaling, traditionally Grey Whales, and holds whales in high esteem within their culture. Whales feature in their traditional stories and are respected not only for their physical power but also for their spiritual significance.
Tlingit: The Tlingit people of Southeast Alaska have stories and totems that feature marine mammals, including killer whales and seals. These animals are often depicted as clan ancestors or spiritual helpers, embodying important cultural values and teachings.
Salish: The Coast Salish peoples, found in the Pacific Northwest along the coasts of Washington State and British Columbia, incorporate marine life, including seals, orcas, and salmon, into their traditional stories, art, and totem poles. These creatures are seen as kin and are integral to the Salish cosmology and way of life.
Kachina Dolls:
Hopi Tribe (Arizona)
Sio Shakalo Katchina Doll
with text description
Kachina dolls are deeply revered artifacts in the Native American cultures of the Pueblo peoples, particularly the Hopi and Zuni. Crafted with care and respect, these dolls are more than mere art; they are physical representations of the Kachinas, spiritual beings believed to inhabit the natural world and act as intermediaries between humans and the divine. Traditionally, these dolls are used in teaching, passed down to impart the cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of the Pueblo people to younger generations. Each doll is meticulously made to embody the specific attributes and symbols associated with its Kachina spirit, serving as a tangible connection to the rich tapestry of Pueblo spirituality, community, and the profound respect for the interconnectedness of life.
Navajo (Diné) Traditional Stories
Navajo traditional stories, rich with symbolism and teachings, includes numerous animals that play significant roles in their stories and cultural practices. Here are five notable animals in Navajo tradition:
CoyotesCoyote (Ma'ii): The Coyote is one of the most prominent figures in Navajo mythology, often portrayed as a trickster. His actions and stories are used to teach lessons about the consequences of misbehavior and the complexity of life.
Bear (Shash): The Bear is revered for its strength and power. In Navajo culture, it symbolizes protection and is often associated with healing practices and ceremonies, embodying both physical and spiritual strength.
Eagle (Atsá): The Eagle is a sacred bird that represents vision, wisdom, and a connection to the divine. Eagle feathers are highly valued and used in various ceremonies and rituals for their purity and spiritual significance.
Horse (Lį́į́’): Introduced later in Navajo history, the Horse quickly became integral to their way of life and spirituality. Horses symbolize mobility, freedom, and wealth, and they play a central role in Navajo society and storytelling.
SnakesSnake (Dlǫ́’ii): Snakes are respected and often viewed with caution in Navajo mythology. They are associated with water, agriculture, and sometimes healing, but they can also represent danger and the unknown.
These animals, among others, are woven into the fabric of Navajo traditional stories, legends, and daily life, each carrying specific cultural and spiritual meanings.
The Navajo are renowned for their intricate geometric designs, especially in their weaving. Navajo rugs and blankets are famous for their complex patterns, bold colors, and geometric symmetry. These designs are not just decorative but often hold cultural, spiritual, and symbolic meanings.
Cherokee Traditional Stories:
The Great Buzzard: In a Cherokee creation story, the Great Buzzard shaped the earth and mountains by flapping his wings, creating valleys and ridges as he flew too close to the ground.
The First Strawberry: Although not an animal story, this myth explains the origin of strawberries. It tells of the first man and woman, and how the woman's tears turned into strawberries when she left her husband in anger. The sweetness of the strawberries brought them back together, symbolizing forgiveness and the sweetness of reconciliation.
Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee) Traditional Stories
The Iroquois Confederacy, historically known as the Six Nations, includes the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora tribes. They are located in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, particularly in New York, Quebec, and Ontario. The Confederacy played a significant role in the history of the region and is known for its sophisticated political system and the influence it had on American democratic ideals.
How the Chipmunk Got Its Stripes: In this tale, a small and brave chipmunk challenges a mighty bear, leading to the bear swiping at the chipmunk with its claws. The chipmunk escapes, but not without the marks of the bear's claws on its back, which is how the chipmunk got its stripes. This story often highlights themes of courage and standing up to larger forces, as well as explaining natural features of animals.
Why the Owl Has Big Eyes: In this Iroquois tale, the owl is initially a boastful creature who claims to be able to see in the dark. As a challenge, the other animals ask Owl to prove his ability by recognizing them in the night. Failing the test, Owl is granted large eyes to see in the dark, but he is also punished with a neck that can swivel around, so he must constantly look back and forth out of shame. This story teaches about humility and the consequences of arrogance.
Ojibwe (Chippewa) traditional stories:
Why the Bear has a Stumpy Tail: This is a humorous tale about how Bear once had a long, beautiful tail but lost it due to his pride and gullibility, often involving a fishing incident gone wrong with Fox. This story teaches lessons about humility, the dangers of vanity, and being cautious of deceit.
In this amusing tale, the animals decide to hold a dance, and everyone is invited. The skunk, known for its beautiful, solid white fur at the time, is very excited and spends a lot of time preparing and making itself smell as pleasant as possible for the event. Proud of its appearance and eager to be noticed, Skunk positions itself in the center of the dance circle.
As the dance progresses and the animals become more enthusiastic, they fail to watch where they are stepping. Eventually, someone accidentally steps on Skunk, causing it to release its now-famous odor in surprise and defense. The other animals, shocked and overwhelmed by the smell, decide to hold Skunk down and paint a black stripe down its back with ashes from the fire. They declare that from now on, the stripe will serve as a warning to others to keep their distance, thus preventing any future accidents.
This story humorously explains why skunks have a stripe and why they are often avoided by other animals. It also carries deeper lessons about pride, the importance of being aware of one's surroundings, and the consequences of drawing too much attention to oneself.
Such stories are cherished parts of Ojibwe cultural heritage, reflecting the community's values and teachings through the engaging antics of animal characters.
Native American Art coloring pages:
Here are a few pages you might like to use to make your own
aboriginal art - aboriginal art is often images of animals from the area the artist lives in -- the images are usually in bold patterns and blocked colors (they aren't usually "shaded"). Usually, there is no background drawn in
(the background is typically left white).
Of course artists are creative individuals, so this is all just a rule of thumb!
To the right are a couple of examples.
aboriginal art
bear
aboriginal art
bird / eagle
First Nations art - eagle
aboriginal art
fish
aboriginal art
goat
aboriginal art
trout
aboriginal art
ptarmigan
aboriginal art
seal
aboriginal art
squirrel
aboriginal art
hen (bird)
aboriginal art
turtle
aboriginal art
walrus
aboriginal art
whale
aboriginal art
whale
First Nations (Kwakwaka'wakw) mask - raven
As you color, think of it as an act of respect and honor towards the culture depicted. Use the activity as a moment to reflect on the beauty and depth of indigenous traditions and the importance of giving space and respect to allow indigenous peoples to preserve their traditions in their own way.