Each October, Indigenous Peoples Day offers us a meaningful moment to honor and celebrate the histories, cultures, and enduring contributions of Native communities across the country. At EFBA, we believe that learning languages and exploring cultures go hand in hand with honoring the roots and traditions of the places we live. 

On this day, we pay respect to the cultures, languages, and traditions of the First Peoples of the Americas, whose heritage continues to inspire and shape our communities. It is a time for families and students to reflect, listen, and engage with the stories and wisdom that connect us across generations.

Honoring Culture Through Education

Indigenous Peoples Day is an invitation to deepen our understanding and appreciation of Indigenous traditions and ways of life. It is an opportunity to honor a history that has often been overlooked and to celebrate the richness of Indigenous heritage. Families and students can engage in meaningful learning by:

Visiting local museums or cultural centers that share Indigenous history, art, and traditions:

Listening to Indigenous music:

  • Michelle McCauley’s YouTube Channel: Michelle McCauley, a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, provides educational videos on Native American music, including traditional songs and dances. Her channel is a valuable resource for educators and families seeking authentic cultural content.
  • Drumhop.org: Drumhop.org offers a comprehensive library of Native American music, featuring recordings, historical context, and resources for educators. It’s an excellent tool for introducing children to the diversity of Indigenous musical traditions.

Reading bilingual children’s books by Indigenous authors in French:

  • Nutshimit : Un bain de forêt
    Written by Algonquin author Melissa Mollen Dupuis and illustrated by Élise Gravel, this book invites children to explore the forest through Algonquin cultural perspectives. It blends poetic storytelling with vibrant illustrations to share a deep respect for nature.
  • Nous sommes Métis
    This book introduces young readers to the identity and cultural heritage of the Métis people, an Indigenous group of mixed First Nations and European ancestry in Canada. It fosters understanding of Métis traditions, history, and contributions.
  • Parfois je suis un renard (“Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox”)
    Authored by Danielle Daniel of the Anishinaabe Nation, this poetic book explores the tradition of totem animals. It encourages children to reflect on personal identity, cultural connection, and the natural world.

These activities remind us that learning can also be a way to show care and gratitude for the cultures that make our home so special.

Language, Land, and Shared Values

Language is a vital part of cultural heritage. Just as EFBA works to preserve and share the French language and Francophone cultures, many Indigenous communities are leading powerful efforts to revitalize their ancestral languages. Language is a bridge to identity, history, and belonging, and exploring Indigenous languages alongside French helps children understand the universal importance of cultural preservation and the richness of multilingualism. 

We also recognize that EFBA’s take place on the traditional lands of the Ramaytush Ohlone, Muwekma Ohlone, Coast Miwok, and other Indigenous peoples of the Bay Area. We honor their connection to this land and their contributions to our shared cultural heritage. Learning about the land we live on and acknowledging the histories of its first peoples is a powerful step toward respect and understanding.

Both Indigenous and Francophone cultures share a deep appreciation for community, storytelling, and connection to nature. These values inspire empathy, curiosity, and a broader understanding of the world. On Indigenous Peoples Day, we invite families to take time to learn, listen, and reflect on the traditions that continue to shape our communities. At EFBA, we encourage families to celebrate the heritage, languages, and wisdom of Indigenous peoples, honoring the shared values that bring us closer together.

Families can learn more about the Indigenous lands they live on by exploring the interactive map at Native Land Digital. It’s a meaningful way to discover whose ancestral lands we call home and to begin conversations about history, language, and belonging.

If you know of other helpful resources, please email us at info@efba.us. 

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By Lia Warnke