Indigenous Peoples' Day - October 10th

Indigenous Peoples' Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October and recognizes the resilience and diversity of Indigenous Peoples in the United States. Here are a few ideas you can bring into your lessons to learn about and recognize Indigenous people, any day of the year.

• Share this Meet-the-Author Recording for Indigenous Peoples' Day by Katrina M. Phillips to hear why the author wanted to write this book and what went into it. Ask students to consider what they know or have been taught about Indigenous Peoples, and why this day is important.

• Listen to the Meet-the-Author Recording for An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States to learn about the authors’ approach to U.S. history from an Indigenous perspective. Then, visit this site to prompt reflection with your students about the land where you reside.

• Find additional titles by and about Indigenous Peoples in these curated lists:

  • Indigenous #OwnVoices in YA.
  • #IndigenousReads by Indigenous Writers: A Children’s Reading List

• Hear author Traci Sorrell talk about the survival, sovereignty, and strength of Native nations in this Meet-the-Author Recording for We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know, then find discussion questions and learning activities in this lesson kit from the publisher.

• Learn about Adrienne Keene’s process and inspiration for writing Notable Native People: 50 Indigenous Leaders, Dreamers, and Changemakers from Past and Present in her blog post, where you can also view six spreads from the book to learn about some of the important figures she chronicles. Use this as inspiration for students to research other Indigenous people.