Why Don't We Celebrate Indigenous People's Day at Lakeside?

In one of the Student Council’s meetings, seventh-grader Quinn M. asked why we didn’t have Indigenous People’s Day off. Ms. Raycroft and Ms. McLurkin, the Student Council advisors, didn’t know how to answer this question, so we thought that it would be cool if we learned the answer from the head of the school himself.  

In a recent meeting the Student Council had with Dr. Bynum, Lakeside’s head of school, we wanted to know why Lakeside had a lot of Eurocentric holidays off, but not Indigenous People’s Day. To provide context, Indigenous People’s Day is celebrated by some states and cities, including Seattle, on the second Monday of every October, to recognize and celebrate the heritage of Native American people. It’s celebrated at the same time as Columbus Day, a Eurocentric holiday. In the interview, the Student Council talked with Dr. Bynum about why this was the case. 

At Lakeside, two of our values are diversity and inclusivity, and the Student Council strives to uphold these to the highest standard. While still acknowledging Eurocentric holidays, the Student Council also aims to recognize other communities which have historically been marginalized. Hence, we spoke with Dr. Bynum to propose the idea of further celebrating Indigenous People’s Day.

Student Council: Why do we not have Indigenous People’s Day off?

Dr. Bynum: Columbus Day was taken out because it was offensive; then, when we transitioned to Indigenous People’s Day, it never got reintegrated into the school calendar.

Student Council: Is there any chance that we could have this off? 

Dr. Bynum: The schedule is set for next year, so it would only come in at least two years from now, but we are thinking of having a day off. 

Student Council: If we can’t have the day off, is it possible for us to have a special speaker or is it possible to have a special programming for that day?

Dr. Bynum: That’s a wonderful idea. Actually, this year we had a speaker come to the upper school to talk about Indigenous People’s Day. Either way, I’m completely open to any ideas you all have about this. 

We hope that Dr. Bynum integrates this holiday into the Lakeside calendar in future years. What are your thoughts on this issue? If you have any suggestions, questions, or thoughts, please let Student Council know by contacting either Ms. Raycroft or Ms. McLurkin.