The second Monday of October is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which recognizes, honors, and celebrates the indigenous peoples who lived in the Americas for thousands of years before it was “discovered.” Here are some ways to learn about the indigenous peoples of the land we live in.
1) Learn more about the indigenous people who lived in West Virginia and America!
Here’s a map that shows indigenous territories – https://native-land.ca/
Check out PBS’ Native American Heritage Collection – https://wv.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/NativeAmericanHeritage/
Discover more about the Taino people, who Columbus encountered and called “Indians” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOt9Z6jxX3U (great for kids); https://multiculturalkidblogs.com/2017/11/24/facts-taino-indians/
Did you know these words came from the Taino language: barbecue, canoes, hammock, and hurricane?
2) Plant Native plants. Check out the US Forest Service’s website about the importance of using native plants in gardening – https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/Native_Plant_Materials/Native_Gardening/index.shtml
Or check out some indigenous gardening techniques! https://www.almanac.com/native-american-gardening-techniques
3) Read Indigenous authors – https://www.firstnations.org/knowledge-center/books/
4) Do a virtual visit of a museum exhibit – https://americanindian.si.edu/online-resources
5) Try a recipe from an indigenous people – https://www.powwows.com/25-favorite-native-american-recipes/
Download graphics about Indigenous Peoples’ Day to use!
