Julie, Chumash ceremony, Indigenous Peoples' Day

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:

In learning,

Sydney and Jacqueline
Members of the DEI Committee

Originally posted on October 12, 2020

Recent Blog Posts:

Poco Farm Persimmons

, ,
Middle shool students picked persimmons during a Fall visit to Poco Farm and  learned about Hoshigaki, a Japanese method for drying them.

Alumni Profile: Aimee Kelley ’96

,
Aimee Kelley graduated from Oak Grove in 1996 and now lives in Paris, France, with her husband and two children. She shares her Oak Grove memories.
Student Newspaper, Oak Grove Inquirer, Winter 2023

The Oak Grove Inquirer Winter Edition is Here!

, , ,
Before Winter Break, student editor and high school senior, Surya, visited classrooms to deliver the latest edition of The Oak Grove Inquirer.