Indigenous peoples day, previously known as Columbus day, is a day meant to recognize the history of Indigenous people in America. Typically this day falls on the second Monday in October.
Indigenous peoples are cultural groups that share ancestral ties with the land and resources of where they live, occupy or have been displaced. There are about 476 million Indigenous people around the globe and 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States.
In the U.S 17 states honor the holiday. Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated with protests honoring the missing and murdered Natives. Followed up with food, art, performances, music and traditional ceremonies. Another important thing that is also done on this day is a sunrise ceremony. During a sunrise ceremony people gather together to share prayers and give thanks for all creations. Indigenous Peoples Day was recognized as a holiday in 1992 in the city of Berkely, California. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the first presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples Day.
Switching Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day has been debated for years. Although Columbus Day celebrates Italian Americans history, Indigenous Peoples Day is to not only honor the loss and misplacement of Native Americans but to also embrace the current native tribes and people. Principal Kory Kath said, “We will be looking at ways to bring Indigenous people into our curriculum.”
In Mr. Woods English 10 classes they discuss Native American mythology in order to discuss cultural perspective. They also cover the Native American boarding schools and how Natives were treated in those buildings. Mr. Woods said, “I’d like to build on it and read more first person stories from Native American authors.”
Some ways other school districts are trying to bring indigenous people into their curriculum is by partnering with Indigenous local leaders, comparing Native American poetry, dance and song to United States primary source documents. Junior Lajaed Robinson said “I think it should simply be celebrated by educating the youth and educating everyone on their struggles.”
Overall, Indigenous People’s Day is a step in the right direction to fully honor and recognize the history and culture of Native’s in America.
