Growing up, we celebrated Columbus Day each year in school by learning about Christopher Columbus' "discovery of the New World." Now, though, we know this whole concept is mostly myth. Columbus did not really "discover" North America, as millions of people had already inhabited the continent for centuries and the question remains about exactly where he landed during his initial voyage - likely not even in America. It's also now widely recognized that Columbus brought slavery, extreme violence, and disease to Native Americans. In fact, according to the History channel within 60 years of Columbus landing on a Bahamian island in the Caribbean, the population of the native Taino tribe dropped from as many as 250,000 to several hundred.
More and more states and cities across America are recognizing the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day or Native Americans' Day rather than Columbus Day. According to a PEW research article 17 states plus the District of Columbia have official holidays honoring Native Americans. In our state of California the fourth Friday in September is Native American Day and the Governor has been issuing an official proclamation for Indigenous Peoples' Day. Columbus Day is still a recognized Federal Holiday.
This newer holiday falls on the second Monday of October and is aimed at celebrating and appreciating the experiences and culture of indigenous people around the world.
Here are 4 ways you can celebrate and Honor Indigenous People
1. Learn!
Find out about the Indigenous People - also known as Native Americans who live here before us. Don't know which Tribes called your community home? You can find out using this map. Once you know the who then your family can begin to research and learn more about the individual tribes, their people and their history. Your local historical society or libraries might be a good place to start.
Learn all about the Native People of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
Colorado Macaroni KID publisher Christen Reiner recently did this with her family. They researched the Utes Tribes indigenous to their region of Colorado.
2. Watch
Find movies you can watch together as a family, also educational movies and videos that help your kids learn about and celebrate Native Americans and indigenous people around the world. Learn about the people and celebrate their accomplishments.
- For younger children, a series called “Molly of Denali” was created by Alaska natives and is one of the first child-centered shows to feature a Native American lead. You can also find kid-friendly games on the PBS website centered around this show.
- There is also a fascinating PBS miniseries called "Native America," that reaches back 15,000 years to reveal massive cities aligned to the stars, unique systems of science and spirituality, and 100 million people connected by social networks spanning two continents - watch preview above.
- Movies & TV Shows That Celebrate Indigenous Peoples
- Cartoons and Animated movies with good Native American and Inuit characters
- 20 ESSENTIAL INDIGENOUS MOVIES FROM NORTH AMERICA
- Vision Maker Media’s mission is empowering and engaging Native people to share stories
Publishers note: Not all movie recommendations are for all audiences, use your own discretion
3. Speak-Up!
Use your voice and help advocate for change. You and your kids can write to elected officials about issue that impact Native Americans today in our community, state and nation.
 FatCamera from Getty Images Signature |
4. Read
Read books written by / about indigenous people with your kids. Reading with your kids or finding books they can enjoy on their own can open up a whole different perspective, especially if you can find stories written by Indigenous people themselves. A great place to start is your local library, ask the librarian - they are full of great ideas.
Here are some Native American book ideas to get you started
- 18 Books by Native Authors To Read With Your Kids
- 12 Books to Celebrate Native American and Alaska Native Heritage
- Grade-level appropriate books about Native Americans by Native American authors and others who present accurate depictions
- 50 Children's Books Celebrating Native American and Indigenous Mighty Girls
- 30 Children’s & YA Books That Celebrate Native American Heritage
The author, Helen Partlow holds a Bachelor of Arts in History as well as a Juris Doctorate. She is a Macaroni KID publisher on Long Island, New York, publishing Macaroni KID Port Jefferson and Macaroni KID Mt. Sinai.
This previously shared article has been updated and edited by Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas
