Indigenous People's Day
Learn about all the different and shared traditions that celebrate Indigenous People's Day.
Themes: tradition, celebrating differences, education
Photo: Macalester College
About the Author
"Katrina Phillips is an Assistant Professor of History with a focus on Native history and the history of the American West. Born and raised in northern Wisconsin, Professor Phillips is a proud citizen of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. She earned a BA and PhD in History from the University of Minnesota and spent two years as a Consortium for Faculty Diversity fellow before joining the ranks of the Macalester faculty in 2016." - Bio from Dr. Phillips' Macalester College faculty page.
Dr. Phillips is also the author of multiple books, a public historian, and a historical and cultural consultant for literature.
Discussion Questions
Why is it important to have a day for Indigenous people to celebrate their culture and history?
What might be the role of elders on Indigenous People’s Day?
What might be the role of kids and young people on Indigenous People’s Day?
What do you know about your ancestors?
Does your culture have a special day to celebrate its history, people, and present?
Do you know any activists? Are you an activist?
Photo: Pu Huang/Reuters
Learning Activities
What people are indigenous to where you live? If you don’t know, ask an adult to help you look it up!
Make a plan with your family to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day: you might read a children’s book by an Indigenous author or respectfully attend a local celebration or powwow if it is open to the public.
Autumn Peltier was only 12 when she spoke to the Canadian Prime Minister about water protection - kids can be activists too! Find a cause you care about (for example, clean air or protecting animals) and take action.
Explore More
Visit the websites from the back of the book:
Learn about the Indigenous activists from the book: