Indigenous Peoples’ Day — Honoring Heritage, Inspiring Education

Understanding Indigenous Peoples’ Day: A Shift from Celebration to Reflection

When one of my eighth-grade students in California asked, “Why don’t we have school on Monday?” I saw an opening for one of the most meaningful lessons of the year. What began as curiosity turned into a conversation about Indigenous Peoples’ Day—a day that invites us to re-examine history, celebrate diversity, and honor the first peoples of the land we now call home.

Observed on the second Monday of October, this day replaces or coexists with Columbus Day in many U.S. states. More than just a holiday, it’s an opportunity for students to learn, reflect, and reconnect with the deeper story of America—one that values Indigenous voices, languages, and resilience.

At Wisdom Point, we believe education is not complete until it includes empathy. Indigenous Peoples’ Day reminds us that learning history is not only about remembering events—it’s about respecting identities.

Why Indigenous Peoples’ Day Matters in Today’s Classrooms

For generations, history lessons began with “Columbus discovered America.” Yet, that single narrative overlooked the thriving civilizations that already existed—the Navajo, Cherokee, Sioux, Hopi, and hundreds of others who shaped rich cultures, governance systems, and environmental wisdom.

Incorporating Indigenous history curriculum helps students understand that discovery is not the same as arrival—it’s about perspective. When young learners recognize this, they don’t just memorize facts; they learn compassion, truth, and inclusivity.

According to the National Museum of the American Indian, 87% of U.S. state standards still fail to adequately include Indigenous history beyond 1900. That means most students grow up knowing very little about the modern realities of Indigenous communities.

As educators and parents, we can change that by bringing real voices, literature, and cultural exploration into every classroom.

Bringing Indigenous Peoples’ Day to Life: Classroom Ideas and Reflections

1. Begin with Stories, Not Stereotypes

One of my favorite activities for middle schoolers is reading excerpts from Indigenous authors such as Joy Harjo or Sherman Alexie. Their stories reveal humor, hope, and heritage.

Prompt your students with:

“What values or beliefs in this story remind you of your own family or community traditions?”

This simple reflection builds empathy and connects Indigenous culture and language learning to students’ personal worlds.

2. Explore Indigenous Art, Music, and Language

Art and language are living memories. Encourage students to create a “Language Wall” featuring greetings like Yáʼátʼééh (Navajo) or Hau (Lakota). Talk about how these words carry respect, gratitude, and connection to nature.

Music teachers can introduce tribal drumming or flute rhythms—beautiful ways to teach mindfulness and harmony through art.

3. Rethink the Narrative: History Through Inquiry

Instead of teaching Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a one-time event, invite inquiry:

“Who gets to tell history?”

Students can:

• Research local tribes in their state.

• Map ancestral lands and trace Indigenous place names.

• Compare textbook versions of early America with tribal oral histories.

This cultivates critical thinking and cultural literacy—both core values in Wisdom Point’s ELA & Public Speaking programs.

4. Encourage Reflective Writing

Ask students to journal:

“How does learning about Indigenous peoples change the way you view community or identity?”

Writing reflections help young learners connect history to humanity. One of my ninth-graders once wrote, “We often celebrate what we conquer, not what we learn from others. I want to change that.” That’s the kind of awakening education should spark.

Integrating Indigenous Values Across Subjects

Indigenous wisdom has shaped sustainability, community, and ethics for centuries. We can celebrate that across all disciplines:

• Science: Explore traditional farming and forest conservation practices.

• Geography: Study how tribes adapted to different ecosystems.

• ELA: Discuss poetry by Indigenous writers about belonging and resilience.

• Social Studies: Reflect on how colonization impacted cultures worldwide.

Such lessons show students that Indigenous knowledge is timeless, not historic.

Student Voices: What Learning Looks Like in Real Time

 Aarav, Grade 7: “I thought history was just about wars. Now I see it’s about people keeping their stories alive.”  Maya, Grade 8: “Learning about Native communities helped me see how every culture fights to be heard.”

These reflections prove that cultural learning builds both identity and empathy—the twin goals of true education.

Building Bridges Through Awareness and Empathy

When we teach Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we’re not teaching the past—we’re nurturing justice, inclusion, and respect in the present.

Parents can extend the experience by:

• Reading Indigenous children’s books together.

• Watching documentaries like Smoke Signals or We Shall Remain.

• Supporting Native artisans, authors, and museums.

Educators can invite guest speakers, organize virtual museum tours, or collaborate with local Indigenous communities for authentic learning.

🌿 Key Takeaways

• Indigenous Peoples’ Day teaches empathy through truth-based learning.

• Classrooms grow stronger when multiple voices are represented.

• Real change begins when families and teachers model respect and inclusion.

10 FAQs About Indigenous Peoples’ Day

1. What is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

It honors Indigenous communities’ history, culture, and resilience, replacing or complementing Columbus Day in many states.

2. When is it celebrated?

Every year on the second Monday of October.

3. Why replace Columbus Day?

To recognize that Native civilizations existed long before Columbus and to honor their survival and contribution.

4. How can teachers celebrate it?

Through storytelling, literature, art, and projects that highlight Indigenous cultures.

5. What are some recommended books?

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie and An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz.

6. How can parents teach children about it?

Read together, visit museums, and discuss local Indigenous history.

7. How can schools integrate Indigenous studies?

Include them year-round in subjects like science, geography, and ELA.

8. Are there resources for Indigenous languages?

Yes, explore FirstVoices or NativeLanguages.org for guided lessons.

9. Is this different from Native American Heritage Month?

Yes. The Day (October) focuses on reflection and awareness; the Month (November) celebrates broader cultural achievements.

10. How does Wisdom Point support such awareness?

Through reflective writing, cultural literacy, and personalized 1:1 ELA programs that nurture confident, compassionate learners.

Conclusion: Learning with Respect, Speaking with Heart

Indigenous Peoples’ Day reminds us that education is about connection as much as knowledge. When we teach children to honor every voice, we help them become thoughtful global citizens who value empathy, courage, and truth.

At Wisdom Point, our mission is to build a global family of learners who lead with creativity and compassion.

✨ Join me and our expert team at Wisdom Point for transformative 1:1 online classes. Book your free demo session today! Call or WhatsApp +91 8240556421.

By Premlata, Lead Educator at Wisdom Point Building a global family of learners with courage, creativity, and compassion. 🌎