IP Day 2021 with LAKAS Family

 Indigenous Peoples Day is a holiday that recognizes and honors the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples. It is celebrated in the United States and other countries on the second Monday of October, which coincides with the federal holiday of Columbus Day. The idea behind this day is to celebrate the cultures, traditions and contributions of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, as well as to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles that Indigenous peoples face. Some states and cities in the United States have officially recognized Indigenous Peoples Day instead of or alongside Columbus Day. The idea is to recognize the native population and their culture, instead of Columbus who is seen as a colonizer and responsible for the genocide of millions of native people.

A Short Story

"Celebrating Indigenous People Day in LAKAS"

Once a year, the students and staff of LAKAS HIGH School came together to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day. This special day was set aside to honor the rich culture and history of the Indigenous peoples of the Botolenous.

The day began with a special assembly in the school big nipa hot, where the students listened to a guest speaker from the local Indigenous community. She shared stories about her tribe's history and traditional customs, and taught the students some basic words in her native language.

After the assembly, the students were divided into small groups and set off on a scavenger hunt around the school. Each group was given a list of items to find, such as traditional Indigenous clothing, artwork, and tools. As they searched, the students learned about the different Indigenous cultures and the significance of each item they found.

In the afternoon, the students participated in traditional Indigenous games and activities, such as lacrosse and basket weaving. They also got to try some traditional Indigenous foods like fry bread, bannock and wild rice soup.

As the day came to a close, the students and staff gathered in the school's courtyard to watch a traditional Indigenous dance performance. The dancers, dressed in traditional clothing, performed a series of dances that told stories of their ancestors and celebrated their culture.

The students left school that day with a newfound appreciation for the Indigenous peoples and their rich history. They were excited to share what they had learned with their families and to continue to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day in the years to come.

Written by: Walter Gemperle Jr.