Honoring Native Voices: Indigenous Peoples' Day in Education

Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day! Observed on the second Monday of October, this day honors the resilience, cultures, and contributions of Native and Indigenous communities.

For students and educators alike, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a call to think critically, confront the stories that have too often gone unquestioned, and reimagine how we understand American history.

A Brief History of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

The origins of Indigenous Peoples’ Day trace back to the 1970s, when Native activists began calling for a new national narrative—one that recognized the ongoing presence and resilience of Native peoples, rather than celebrating the arrival of colonizers through Columbus Day. In 1992, 500 years after the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, the first official observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day took place in Berkeley, California. Since then, many states and communities have either replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day or commemorated both, embracing the opportunity to learn, unlearn, and heal.

Why It Matters in the Classroom

Education has the power to shape how young people see the world and themselves. For too long, textbooks and lessons have centered colonial perspectives, often portraying Indigenous peoples as figures of the past. Indigenous Peoples’ Day reminds us that Native Americans are not historical footnotes but consist of vibrant communities that continue to thrive, lead, and teach today.

Incorporating Indigenous perspectives in education helps students build empathy and a richer sense of global citizenship. They begin to see that history is not one story but many, interconnected ones. From environmental stewardship and community care to storytelling and art, Indigenous knowledge offers deep wisdom about living responsibly and harmoniously with the world around us.

Learning with Respect and Curiosity

Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day means creating ongoing habits of learning—not just a single day of acknowledgment. Educators, parents, and students can bring this spirit into their classrooms and homes through simple, meaningful actions:

• 📖 Read Indigenous authors and poets. Writers like Joy Harjo, Sherman Alexie, and Louise Erdrich offer powerful insights into Indigenous identity and belonging.

• 🗺️ Explore local history. Every region of the U.S. has its own Indigenous nations and stories—learn whose land you live on and how those communities continue to shape it today.

• 🎨 Celebrate creativity. Share Indigenous art, music, and film to expand representation, build appreciation, and spark discussion among students.

• 💬 Encourage dialogue. Ask students: Who tells history? Whose voices are missing? How can we make learning more inclusive?

Moving Forward Together

Education is most powerful when it reflects truth, diversity, and respect. Indigenous Peoples’ Day reminds us that learning is not only about acquiring knowledge but about deepening our connection to one another and to the world we share. This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, take time to learn something new, listen with openness, and remember: education is one of the most powerful ways to honor truth. Let’s honor the many voices that shape our history—and commit to uplifting them every day.