Indigenous Peoples' Day
Learn about all the different and shared traditions that celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Themes: Tradition, celebrating differences, education
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.
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 Peoples’ Day?
- What might be the role of kids and young people on Indigenous Peoples’ 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?
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:
- Watch this video on Autumn Peltier.