Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day

Last year, Michigan joined the ranks of a dozen U.S. states that adopted Indigenous Peoples' Day in lieu of Columbus Day in a proclamation by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. 

Photo: ©2020 Two Eagles Marcus Photography

This year, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss declared the second Monday in October Indigenous Peoples' Day. Grand Rapids Christian Schools parent, Camie Castaneda, was a part of the committee that brought forth the Indigenous Peoples' Day Proclamation.

Learn more about the Grand Rapids proclamation here.

And learn more about Indigenous Peoples' Day Rapids Rapids here, including the history of Indigenous Peoples' Day as well as local and national streaming events to celebrating Indigenous People's Day.

Check it out: City of Grand Rapids Indigenous People's Day Virtual Celebration

If you are interested in learning about more ways to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day, the Smithsonian National Museum of the Native American has but together "Five Ideas for Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2020."

1. Plant native — Native plants support healthy ecosystems. Think of the impact you can have by planting native species and returning health to your yard and neighborhood.
2. Read a book by an Indigenous writer — Social Justice Books, a project of Teaching for Change, shares a list of books recommended by Dr. Debbie Reese (Nambé Pueblo), founder and co-editor of American Indians in Children’s Literature.
3. Attend an online Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration — check out local and international events happen here and here.
4. Help teach a more truthful history — here are some ideas for preschoolers, and older students.
5. Learn more by visiting Native Knowledge 360°, and advocate for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Native American History in Grand Rapids

Did you know that Grand Rapids was once home to a mound-building tribe of Native Americans associated with the Hopewell culture? Learn more about the Native Americans that occupied this area of West Michigan more than 2,000 years ago.

Photo: ©2020 Two Eagles Marcus Photography