Indigenous Peoples’ Day: True History, Real Learning for Kids

Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes the first inhabitants of the United States. Our anti-bias approach to education helps us to be mindful of whose stories are being told, and who is given the voice to tell them.

 

Teaching about past—and present—injustices suffered by Native people helps ensure that they’re not repeated in the future. For Indigenous children, it’s vital to receive education that affirms and reflects their identities, histories, and experiences. For non-Indigenous children, an accurate sense of history is foundational in developing empathy, perspective, and an anti-racist worldview.  

 

Talking Indigenous Peoples’ Day with Kids 

Conquest, colonization, genocide, etc., are tough-enough facts to reconcile as adults, never mind addressing them with your kids. The most important thing to remember is that Indigenous people are more than the tragedy they’ve experienced. They reflect the richness of thousands of cultures, languages, and histories across the globe. We owe it to Indigenous people—and ourselves—to learn about Indigenous people, from Indigenous people, whenever possible. 

 

Age-Appropriate Approach 

For your youngest ones, look for books, music, and media about Indigenous people, by Indigenous people. With your kindergartener, learn about the Natives in your area who originally inhabited the very land you live on.  

 

• What were their Tribe names?  

• What language did they speak?  

• What types of homes did they live in?  

• Do they still have a presence in your community?  

• If not, how can you honor them, and if so, how can you support them?

 

As your children get older, you can begin sharing the more complex truths of our country’s past. Start with the basics, answer any follow up questions that your child has honestly, but don’t feel like you need to offer details your child hasn’t asked about yet. They’ll process what you tell them and come back over time with questions as they arise. Conversations won’t be easy, but they will be powerful.  

 

This is how your child will learn to see our human connections and appreciate that which makes us unique. In order to raise the next generation of anti-racist people, we must take it upon ourselves to look inward, do better, and do more. By talking and learning about our different cultures, religions, abilities, and family structures in our daily lives—not just on specially set-aside holidays — we provide our children with an inclusive world view that extends beyond their own lived experiences. Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day is one small step in creating a society that recognizes, values, and celebrates us all.