Indigenous People’s Day

Get Inspired: ‘Blackbird’ Sung in Mi’kmaq

Indigenous People's Day. The second Monday of October is a day of celebration, memorial, and empowerment for indigenous communities across North America. We're inviting your family to learn about the history of Indigenous People's Day and celebrate by supporting native artists, businesses, and more! Check out this performance by Emma Stevens, who covers 'Blackbird' by The Beatles in her native, Mi'kmaq language to raise awareness for indigenous culture.

Language is an important part of culture, it helps us communicate, gives us words for cultural experiences and phenomenons, and allows us express who we are. The strength of community, tradition, and indigenous youth have fought to preserve these languages and to celebrate indigenous heritage.

Let’s Talk

After watching the performance of 'Blackbird', use the questions below to kick-start a great conversation with your family:

• What stood out to you about Emma's performance of 'Blackbird' by The Beatles? How did you feel while listening?

• Emma performed in her native language, Mi'kmaq, to raise awareness for Indigenous culture and language. Do you think it's important for youth to carry on traditions? Why?

• Do you have any traditions that have been passed down in your family? A language, music, event, or practice? Why is it meaningful to you?

• Bonus! What languages did your ancestors speak? Are multiple different languages spoken by your family members? Ask your family or research the different languages spoken in your family tree.

Do Something: Indigenous Music

Support Indigenous Artists! Indigenous music is created and listened to all over the world. In North America, indigenous artists are influencing pop-culture, celebrating traditional music styles, and creating groundbreaking unique sounds. From Prolific the Rapper, to Arigon Starr's country-rock, learn more about the diverse styles of indigenous artists in the PBS Native Voice One Article.

Can't get enough? Pop on the Indigenous Playlist curated by Buffy Sainte-Marie and indigenous singer-songwriter to support indigenous artists and celebrate Indigenous People's Day.

Community Connections: Advocate for Indigenous People’s Day

Use your voice! Indigenous People's Day celebrates and commemorates indigenous culture and histories. In North America, it is also meant to help reteach histories of colonization that are often erased from mainstream history teachings. Preserving this history is important as it highlights the experiences of Native Americans, honors their cultures, and acknowledges the injustices they have faced.

Support Chicago's indigenous communities! The American Indian Center of Chicago and Chi Nations Youth Council is calling for advocates and allies to draw support for Indigenous People's Day. You can help out by writing a letter to your alderman or local representatives sharing your support!

Youth voice matters. Start off your letter by introducing yourself, share your name, age, and what neighborhood you live in. Then talk about why Indigenous People's Day is important to you! Mail your letter to the elected officials who represent you and make your voice heard.

If you need more resources to inform your letter, check out both the American Indian Center and Chi Nations Youth Council's websites and learn more about Chicago's indigenous history by exploring which native communities lived here before us with this interactive map!