How to Celebrate: Indigenous Peoples' Day

Indigenous Peoples' Day, on October 10, is a great opportunity for Girl Scouts to discover Indigenous history, connect with diverse cultures, and take action to make the world a more equitable place. Indigenous Peoples' Day is a United States holiday honoring Native American individuals and commemorating their histories, cultures, and identities. The holiday originated as a counter-celebration of Columbus Day. Many people reject Columbus Day, since it suggests that Columbus “discovered” America, ignoring the existence of Indigenous people who already had made America their home. Indigenous Peoples' Day recognizes the harm that Columbus and other colonizers caused, while simultaneously recognizing the strength and power of Native American people.

There are various ways your Girl Scout can get involved and learn about Indigenous Peoples' Day! Girl Scouts can earn their Native American Heritage Month “I’m a Girl Scout!” fun patch celebrating Native American Heritage Month, which is held in November. With this patch, Girl Scouts will discover community traditions and art, as well as connect with Indigenous cultures and history. Girl Scouts can also use their creativity to color Indigenous Peoples Day coloring sheets. You can also encourage your Girl Scout to learn about Indigenous history and culture through various documentaries, books, and more.

As Girl Scouts, learning about a wide array of cultures creates a more inclusive and welcoming space for all individuals. Everyone is different, and inclusion values everyone’s uniqueness and contributions. Talk to your Girl Scout about the importance of diversity, and remind them that differences can still unite us.