Dear Morningside Center friends,

Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day and we at Morningside Center invite you to both honor Native and Indigenous communities, wisdom and history and remember the joy and genius of First Nations and Cultures. Below we share commitments, learnings and event opportunities as we shine a light on the Lenape Center.

…and in case you missed it, take a look at lessons and resources to teach on Indigenous Peoples' Day.

We wish you and your community an uplifting day of learning on this important day!

Every year, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is marked on September 30th. About two weeks later arrives Indigenous Peoples’ Day/ Día de la Raza (Spanish, Day of the People, México, etc.)—this year Monday, October 14th. And these momentous days precede what is now Native History Month (November).

In the education community, this makes for an incredible opportunity to bear witness, honor Native practices that can and do reshape the world, celebrate Indigenous joy and genius, and get to work. Morningside Center is no stranger to any of these practices, and we take it upon ourselves this year to recommit to each of them.

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Reflection & Sharing: Where Are You?

Students discuss the land where they live, and the Indigenous peoples who once lived there. Then they get to know each other by reflecting on four aspects of their lives, using Native American teachings on the Medicine Wheel. 

Who Does the Land Belong To?

The question “who owns the land?” underlies many conflicts. Students explore issues surrounding land, place, and belonging – especially as they affect Native Americans and African Americans.

Creating a Class Land Acknowledgment Statement

Students learn about the growing effort to acknowledge the Indigenous people whose lands we inhabit - and create their own land acknowledgment statement.

Looking for more? See more Resources for Teaching on Indigenous History & Culture.

"If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together."

- Lilla Watson, Murri (Indigenous Australian) visual artist, activist and academic