Indigenous Peoples’ Day

As we enjoy our three-day weekend, it is important to think about what it is we commemorate and celebrate on Indigenous Peoples Day. Historically, Americans have not learned much that is authentic about the people who lived on these lands before, during, and after the arrival of the Europeans, and we seek to change this narrative at Oak Grove. We acknowledge the Chumash who lived here in the Ojai Valley, whose traditional lands went from Malibu to Paso Robles to the edge of the San Joaquin Valley, as the first caretakers of our campus. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians state their mission as “ Fostering the well-being of future generations while honoring the traditions of the past.” On the WishToyo Chumash website, Mati Waiya writes, “When you share nature with a child, you are planting a seed in their minds, of their role. Exposing children to nature will introduce them to their responsibility for it in the future. Nature teaches us.”

To expand our understanding of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we are sharing a few resources from some indigenous peoples from across North America.

Here are some facts that you might not know:

• California has the highest Native American population in the United States.
• In California, there are 109 tribes recognized by the Federal Government with 70 other groups seeking Federal recognition.
• In the US, there are 574 Federally recognized tribes.

Additional Resources:

• Indigenous Peoples’ Day Youth in Action: Conversations About Our Future
• Reconsider Columbus Day
• Reclaiming Native Truth
• Native Land Map
• Young voices on what Indigenous Peoples Day means to them

In learning,

Sydney and Jacqueline
Members of the DEI Committee