Engaging Activities for Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21st marks a special day in the calendar – National Indigenous Peoples Day. It’s a day to celebrate the vibrant cultures, traditions, and invaluable contributions of Indigenous peoples across the world. Moreover, the day is not only a recognition of their past but also a celebration of their present and future.
Dating back to 1996, National Indigenous Peoples Day was first proclaimed in Canada by then-Governor General Roméo LeBlanc. It is now observed in several countries, including Australia and New Zealand, as a day to honor the unique histories and cultures of Indigenous communities. The date of June 21st was specifically chosen as it is the summer solstice, a significant day in many Indigenous cultures to mark the beginning of the new season.
But beyond its historical significance, National Indigenous Peoples Day is also a reminder to acknowledge and appreciate the ongoing struggles and triumphs of the Indigenous peoples. Despite facing centuries of discrimination and marginalization, Indigenous communities have continued to preserve their cultures, traditions, and languages, often at the expense of personal sacrifice and hardship.
Here are some activities you can do with your students on this special date!
Art and Craft Workshops
Encourage students to create their own artwork inspired by traditional Indigenous techniques such as pottery, weaving, and dot painting. These art forms carry cultural significance and can teach students about the spiritual connection to the land and ancestral beliefs.
Examples:
- Pottery: Indigenous people in the Southwest, such as the Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo peoples, are renowned for their pottery-making traditions. Each community has distinct styles, designs, and techniques, often reflecting their connection to the land and spiritual beliefs.
- Woven Crafts (Guatemalan Maya): Maya communities in Guatemala are known for their intricate woven crafts, including huipils (traditional blouses), cortes (skirts), and tapestries. These textiles often feature complex designs and symbols with spiritual, cultural, and historical significance.
- Dot Painting (Aboriginal Australians): Aboriginal Australian art often features dot painting, a technique where intricate patterns and symbols are created using tiny paint dots. These paintings convey stories, narratives, and connections to the land and ancestral spirits.
Cultural Presentations
Arrange cultural presentations or performances featuring traditional Indigenous music, dance, drumming, and singing, therefore providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the significance of these artistic expressions.
Examples:
- Andean Music (Quechua, Aymara, and Others): Andean music, characterized by instruments like the pan flute (zampoña), charango (small guitar), and quena (Andean flute), reflects the cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples in the Andean region. Songs often celebrate nature, community, and ancestral traditions.
- Hula (Hawaiian): Hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance form that incorporates storytelling, gestures, and music to convey narratives, history, and spiritual connections to the land and ancestors. Hula is accompanied by chants (oli) and rhythmic percussion instruments like the ipu (gourd drum).
- Masked Dance (Various African Cultures): Masked dance traditions are prevalent across many Indigenous African cultures, including the Dogon, Yoruba, and Bambara peoples. These dances, accompanied by drumming, singing, and elaborate costumes, convey stories, myths, and spiritual beliefs.
Reading Workshops
Host reading workshops on topics related to Indigenous culture, history, and contemporary issues.
Let me share with you my favorite poems and short readings:
- Eagle Poem by Joy Harjo
- Sure, you can ask me a question by Diane Burns
- The man to send rain clouds by Leslie Chapman
ACCESS PADLET WITH THE MATERIAL
Reflection and Discussion
Create a safe and respectful space for students to explore their perceptions and biases about Indigenous peoples. Encourage dialogue and reflection on topics such as stereotypes, colonialism, and historical trauma in Indigenous communities. By discussing these issues, students can learn to support and amplify Indigenous voices, perspectives, and initiatives in their community.
Sample questions: What do you know about the history and experiences of Indigenous peoples in our region or country? Have you ever encountered stereotypes or misconceptions about Indigenous peoples? What were they? How do stereotypes about Indigenous peoples impact their lives and opportunities? Have you ever considered the impact of colonialism and historical trauma on Indigenous communities today? How can we support Indigenous voices, perspectives, and initiatives in our community?
By engaging in some of these activities, students can learn and appreciate the significance of Indigenous cultural expressions. As the poet Joy Harjo reminds us, “We are all related, and it is our responsibility to take care of each other.” So let us continue to embrace Indigenous cultures, and in doing so, create a more inclusive and respectful world.
I leave you with these words from Diane Burns, “Sure, you can ask me a question, but only if you’re willing to listen to the answer.” Let us all listen and learn from each other.
We’re in this together! All my very best.
Paula.
