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:

Revisiting J. Krishnamurti

, ,
The June 2022 issue of India's respected magazine, Education World, dives into the importance and relevance of Krishnamurti's teachings and his global impact on school students and adults alike. 
Alumni Molly

Alumni Parent Profile: Molly Smith ’98

,
“It has been a dream to have Isla go to Oak Grove and a little surreal returning as a parent. Oak Grove was like my second home,”
Alumni Solorzano

Alumni Parent Profile: Jonothan Solorzano

,
Oak Grove is a magical place... I know that the values instilled in me at an early age remain deeply embedded, and I am so happy we are able to share the same experience with Rye.