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Recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day

10/11/2018

Those of you who have been in the Lowell community for a few years might have noticed a change in the October calendar. Lowell now recognizes the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day. The idea of Indigenous Peoples' Day was first conceived in 1977 at the International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations.

According to Head of School Debbie Gibbs, the change on the school calendar reflects Lowell’s approach to teaching history—that of valuing multiple perspectives and highlighting underrepresented stories. “As students study US history, we want them to continue to examine the experience from that of the indigenous peoples and the new comers—whether solider, settler, adventurer, enslaved or free. By using the name Indigenous Peoples’ Day we invite both formal and informal conversation about the day’s meaning. We also mark the day as a time to celebrate the heritage and contributions of those who have always been a part of the country’s story,” Debbie explains.

Lowell’s social studies and Spanish curricula include units, projects, and discussions of indigenous peoples throughout Primary and Middle Schools. A few highlights include:

a study of indigenous people of the Northwest Coast in 2^nd grade;
an examination of the complexities of westward expansion and the Indian Removal Act in 5^th grade;
investigations into the culture and rights of indigenous populations in Central and South America throughout the Spanish curriculum; and
Middle School discussions of contemporary land rights issues, Native American activism, the use of Native logos for sports teams, and the emergence of the Indigenous Peoples’ Day movement.

Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Initiatives Michelle Belton says, “Many possibilities exist for incorporating the historical and current stories of indigenous peoples in the Americas.” Last year, teachers spent a Wednesday afternoon learning more about available resources, and additional professional development is on the horizon for teachers from such sources as the National Museum of the American Indian, Teaching for Change, and Teaching Tolerance. Michelle is excited to partner with teachers and librarians develop our library collections and curriculum even further.

School News

Recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day