Who came first to America?

 

It’s hard to beat 30,000 years ago; that is the latest calculation as to when humans arrived in the Western Hemisphere. Indigenous People’s Day, celebrated in the United States on October 11, honors the rich heritage and contributions of Native Americans. By doing the following activities, you too can appreciate these varied peoples throughout the year.

 

CONNECT:

• Learn the history of Indigenous People’s Day by watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nET5LBB_wLE.
• Discover 10 Native American inventions commonly used today at https://www.history.com/news/native-american-inventions
• Explore Alaska Native history and culture by watching “Grandpa's Drum” from “Molly of Denali”: https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mod19-soc-grandpasdrum/grandpas-drum-molly-of-denali/ . “Molly of Denali” was created by Alaska Native writers and advisers. It’s also one of the first children’s television programs to have a Native American lead.
• Watch pow wows at https://youtu.be/jQ-9QCDp9Ho. You can find more details at https://www.powwows.com/what-is-a-pow-wow/

 

CREATE:

• Try some of the ways that kids can observe Indigenous People’s Day: https://www.rebekahgienapp.com/indigenous-peoples-day/
• Sing a Native American lullaby at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB9W5PntH3s
• Hungry to know about native life and food? Chew on this information: https://www.historyforkids.net/native-american-food.html You may already have tried some of their native food!

 

CARE

• Enjoy with your family the video read aloud We Are Water Protectors read by the author, Carole Lindstrom: https://youtu.be/2YHaRmj9wLU  What are ways that you can help water become clean again?
• A lovely, earth-conscious way to honor indigenous culture and to “give back” is to plant some Native American plants as a family. Some native plants to consider are milkweed plants and pawpaw trees. You can consult the U.S. Forest Service website (https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/) to learn more about native plants and how to plant and care for them.
• How are Black-Indigenous youth working to advance social justice? This Indigenous Peoples’ Day program highlights youth of blended Black and Native heritage who use art, activism, and policy to advance Black and Indigenous solidarity and affect positive change in their communities: https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/student-programs/distance-learning/#indigenous-peoples-day

 

CAREERS:

Indigenous people often encounter barriers to employment. Understanding these obstacles can lead to thinking about ways that you can become more culturally aware and competent, which can help all people to find meaningful work: https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/8-basic-barriers-to-indigenous-employment

 

I Protest (Peacefully)

 

It’s inevitable that at some point, you don’t like to do what someone else is doing – or is making you do, be it giving away your favorite toy – or someone bullying you. What can you do? These activities can show you what action you might take – and the consequences of bad actions.

 

CONNECT:

• Hear and watch the children’s book Let the Children March at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnptqGnM4xQ
• Learn about and listen to music that was written to protest and the unequal treatment of black people at https://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2020/06/08/classical-kids-music-lessons-protest-music
• Protests reflect a broad spectrum of actions and a huge mix of social issues. This video explains non-violent protests. It is geared for teens and adults, but is very accessible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP-mv5IjFzY

 

CREATE:

• Help kids find their voice why supporting ways to help families stand up against injustice: https://www.aeinstein.org/nonviolentaction/198-methods-of-nonviolent-action/
• As citizens, we should be engaged in our community: here’s how to go on a protest as a family: https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/tips-for-protesting-with-kids/
• Try some of these activities that can help kids handle bullying situations: https://www.pacer.org/bullying/classroom/elementary/

 

CARE:

• Use this guide to talk with youngsters about protests: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5694f5c6bfe87314267a8a1b/t/5a9fe809e4966b2fb99f7627/1520429067378/Talking+With+Kids+6+and+Under.pdf
• Especially now, news on television shows much violence and disinformation. Here are some good practices about screen time use: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx
• Active listening is vital for effective communication within the family and among friends, especially where there is disagreement. Try some of these tips: https://www.cdc.gov/parents/essentials/communication/activelistening.html#:~:text=Active%20listening%20is%20a%20good,what%20she%20has%20to%20say.&text=give%20your%20full%20attention%20to,other%20things%20you%20are%20doing

 

CAREERS:

Want to address injustice? Want to make your community better? It might lead to a lifelong career: as a politician, community organizer, social worker, journalist, teacher, lawyer, and more. Explore the possibilities through these websites.

https://www.brazen.com/blog/archive/job-search/10-careers-that-let-you-fight-for-equality

https://www.humanrightscareers.com/magazine/careers-in-social-justice-and-human-rights/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/10-careers-that-let-you-f_b_1586777