5 Ways to Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day
This upcoming Monday, October 12th, is Indigenous People’s Day. Indigenous People’s Day began in 1989 in South Dakota as a replacement for Columbus Day, and according to Wikipedia is a day that “celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures.” In order to observe this important holiday, I wanted to put together some ways you can celebrate. Since there is so much missing from our text books in terms of learning about Native culture, much of this celebration is learning. I have included items that are easy and take just 15 minutes as well as others that are more in depth.
Pick one or many and celebrate Indigenous People’s Day with me.
Disclaimer: I have not read all of these books or watched the movies but am excited to check them out.
1. Read a book written by an Indigenous author:
Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
There There by Tommy Orange
The Things She’s Seen by Ambelin and Ezekiel Kwaymullina
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
2. Participate in a cultural event
Indigenous People Day: Support Native Students: Free, Monday, October 12, 2020 9:30 AM PST Register
Conversations About Our Future: Free, Monday, October 12, 2020 10:00 - 11:30 AM PST
Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day with Occidental College, Monday, October 12, 2020 5:00 - 7:00 PM PST
Virtual 5K, 10K, ½ Marathon $15 - $35
3. Donate to one of the charities below
Bears Ears Inter-tribal Coalition
4. See if your state has recognized Indigenous People’s Day
5. Watch a movie about Indigenous culture with Amazon Prime
What Was Ours, Free with Prime
More Than Frybread, Free with Prime
The Education of Little Tree, Free with Prime
Turquoise Rose, Free with Prime
Grab, Rent
N. Scott Momaday: Words From a Bear, Rent
Smoke Signals, Rent
I would love to hear some of the ways you plan to celebrate, share in the comments. And have a great Indigenous People’s Day!
