Indigenous Peoples’ Day, 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/…/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/…/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/…/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 any of these graphics to use as you celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Follow this link for West Virginia Committee on Native American Ministries page on the WVUMC website.

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