American Indian Resources

Utah Persective:

Joint resolution recognizing second Monday in October as Indigenous People’s Day in SLC
On Oct. 11, 2021 The Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake City committed to continue its efforts to promote the well-being and growth of Salt Lake City’s American Indian and Indigenous community and declared the second Monday in October as indigenous People’s Day in Salt Lake City. 

National Perspective: 

Native Knowledge 360: FAQ Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day
The Smithsonian: National Museum of the American Indian with its partners among Native nations and in the education community are producing exciting new classroom resources and teacher training through a national education initiative, Native Knowledge 360°. Here are some answers to some of the questions that educators frequently ask about Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

In the Classroom:

How can we teach and talk about Indigenous peoples appropriately?
Here are three ways you can create a more accurate narrative around the celebration of Indigenous people:

1. Talk openly in your classroom about the fact that Columbus was not the first person to ‘find’ the Americas. Use resources like "Unlearning Columbus Day Myths: Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day" to guide your discussion.

2. Learn about the effects of European colonialists on the Native American groups in the northern and southern hemispheres. A lesson on how the transcontinental railroad impacted bison herds and Native American cultures in our nation is a good one to explore with your students.

3. Engage with Native and Indigenous people in your community. Contemporary Native Americans are eager to share their culture, history, experience, and advocate for accurate narratives to take center stage in educational settings. Invite a Native teaching artist to your classroom!

Lesson Plan for teachers: Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day? 
This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn more about Columbus Day, reflect on why some cities and states have renamed it Indigenous Peoples Day and consider their own points of view on the topic by engaging in a writing project to express their perspective.

Utah Perspective – Darren Parry, Shoshone Elder Interview
Columbus Day is still a national holiday but some states and hundreds of cities, including Salt lake City, mark the day as Indigenous Peoples' Day to highlight.