Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day

Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated on the second Monday of October, is a time to honor the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Native peoples. In California, we have over 150 distinct tribes, each with unique traditions, languages, and stories that enrich our communities today.

This day is an opportunity to recognize the resilience and ongoing contributions of Indigenous communities, and it allows us to reflect on our shared history with greater respect and understanding. At TCSOS, we are committed to supporting educators in teaching accurate and meaningful perspectives on Native history and culture in partnership with our districts and schools.

Our Work in Indigenous Peoples Learning

TCSOS collaborates with districts to implement the Indigenous Peoples Learning Sessions, designed to provide culturally responsive resources and tools for educators. Our goal is to create inclusive classroom environments that respect and celebrate the diverse histories and contributions of California Native peoples. Learn more about our initiatives and resources here.

Ways to Engage and Learn

1. Acknowledge the Land: Understanding the history of the land we live, work, and learn on is essential. Educators can utilize the Land Acknowledgment Toolkit from the California Indian Culture & Sovereignty Center to honor the original inhabitants of the land.
2. Explore Native Ways of Knowing: Programs like the Native Ways of Knowing micro-courses provide educators and students with insights into Indigenous cultures. These courses, hosted by the San Diego County Office of Education, are designed to support cultural and linguistic preservation.
3. Rethink Native Stories in Classrooms: Dr. Debbie Reese’s work highlights the importance of unlearning stereotypes and harmful narratives about Indigenous peoples. Educators can access critical resources to introduce authentic Native stories through platforms like American Indians in Children’s Literature.
4. Support Indigenous Media: Watching films and documentaries from Vision Maker Media offers an engaging way for students to learn about Indigenous perspectives, including stories of resilience and cultural celebration.

By incorporating these resources into our classrooms and working closely with our districts, TCSOS continues to promote an inclusive, respectful, and accurate educational experience for all students.