Indigenous People Day is a national holiday observed on October 14 to commemorate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in America and to acknowledge the history and culture of Indigenous people during his arrival. Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated in the US, Canada, Brazil, Taiwan, and the Philippines. It is prevalent that community members be aware of this holiday as NDB is on the ancestral, unceded territory of the Ramaytush Ohlone people, who are indigenous peoples of the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Ohlone tribes lived throughout the regions of Northern California and were one of the first Native Americans in California to face Spanish colonization. Students at NDB shared what they know about Indigenous Peoples Day.

Zara Kipple is a sophomore at NDB and shared what she knows about Indigenous Peoples Day.

“I don’t know much about Columbus Day. I feel like I learned a little bit about it in elementary school, but I kind of forgot,” said Kipple

Amy Sun, a sophomore at NDB, shared what she knows about Columbus Day: “I knew about Columbus Day from my previous history class, when I was in middle school. I know it is a very important holiday to honor the deeds of Columbus.”

Although she does not celebrate this holiday, Sun would like to read stories and articles about its history.

At NDB, the Coalition for DEIB and I am Diverse club, recognized this holiday by showing the documentary film, “In the Land of my Ancestors.” There is also a bulletin board celebrating Indigenous people and their lands

Unfortunately, many NDB students do not know much about Indigenous Peoples Day, and while eager to be informed, they do not know how to get involved.