Celebrate Indigenous Peoples day
The first federal observance of Columbus Day, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937. Columbus Day then became a legal federal holiday in the United States under Presidential Proclamation (PL90-363), which states that the observance of Columbus Day is always on the second Monday in October. Indigenous Peoples Day reimagines Columbus Day and changes a celebration of colonialism into an opportunity to reveal historical truths about the genocide and oppression of indigenous peoples in the Americas, to organize against current injustices, and to celebrate indigenous resistance. This curriculum spotlight examines the importance of examining the narrative for changing Columbus Day and incorporating indigenous perspectives in our classrooms.
Articles
Why are More Places Abandoning Columbus Day in Favor of Indigenous Peoples Day?
Malinda Maynor Lowery, Professor of History and Director of the Center for the Study of the American South, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill looks at why more and more towns and cities across the country are electing to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Columbus Day-Indigenous Peoples Day Fast Facts
https://www.cnn.com/2013/06/14/us/columbus-day-fast-facts/index.html
Fast facts on Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, and the cities and parts of the world that celebrate these days.
Columbus Day Officially Becomes Indigenous Peoples Day in Maine
Columbus Day' is officially out and 'Indigenous Peoples Day' is here to stay in Maine. Gov. Janet Mills signed a bill, LD 179, Friday, April 26, that replaces the holiday name.
Instructional Resources
Indigenous Peoples Day Resources
(Middle, High)
https://www.zinnedproject.org/campaigns/abolish-columbus-day/resources/
Here are lessons, books, and films for teaching the truth about Columbus and Indigenous Peoples history from the Zinn Education Project.
Columbus Day, K-5
(Elementary)
http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/columbus-day-grades-k-5.htm
From the National Education Association, this page provides various opinions, articles, and classroom resources that present a range of opinions on Christopher Columbus
Columbus or Indigenous Peoples Day?
(High School)
https://www.adl.org/media/7104/download
This ADL lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn more about Columbus Day, reflect on why some cities and states have renamed it Indigenous Peoples Day and consider their own points of view on the topic by engaging in a writing project to express their perspective.
Indigenous Peoples Day | All About the Holidays
(Middle, High)
While there is no single definition for indigenous, indigenous people maintain close ties to their ancestral land and traditions. In the United States, some Americans celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of or along with Columbus Day. This PBS Learning Media video looks at Indigenous People's Day
Why do We Still Celebrate Columbus Day?
(Middle)
In this lesson from Teaching Tolerance, students will address misconceptions they likely have about Christopher Columbus and the colonization of what is now the United States.
Indigenous People's Day
https://www.uua.org/racial-justice/dod/indigenous-day
(Elementary, Middle, High)
"Indigenous Peoples Day" reimagines Columbus Day and changes a celebration of colonialism into an opportunity to reveal historical truths about the genocide and oppression of indigenous peoples in the Americas, to organize against current injustices, and to celebrate indigenous resistance. This resource from the Unitarian Universalist Association shows 10 Ways to Honor Indigenous Peoples Day.