Indigenous People’s Day: Indigeneity Lens and Focus invites secondary students to move beyond symbolic recognition of Indigenous People’s Day toward a deeper understanding of Indigeneity as an ongoing relationship to land, knowledge, and community. Grounded in Ethnic Studies frameworks, this lesson centers Indigenous perspectives while examining the impacts of colonialism on Indigenous peoples and systems of knowledge.
Designed for grades 6–12, this 50-minute lesson engages students in structured discussion, vocabulary development, and media analysis using slide-based instruction with built-in educator guidance. Students are introduced to the concept of Indigenous Knowledge, exploring how Indigenous ecological and cultural practices support biodiversity, sustainability, and balance—often in contrast to extractive colonial systems.
The lesson begins with a land acknowledgment and guided reflection, situating learning within local and global Indigenous contexts. Students then examine real-world examples of Indigenous Knowledge through video and discussion, strengthening their ability to analyze how power, colonialism, and resistance shape history and present-day realities.
An optional Kahoot extension provides an interactive way to reinforce learning while maintaining student engagement.
What’s Included
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Slide-based lesson with embedded educator and student directions
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Student worksheet for note-taking and reflection
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Vocabulary development focused on Indigeneity and colonialism
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Media-based learning and discussion activities
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Optional Kahoot extension for review and engagement
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Alignment with WAESN Elements of Liberation, Washington State Social Studies Standards, and C3 Framework
Why Educators Use This Lesson
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Moves beyond surface-level holiday recognition
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Centers Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems
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Supports critical thinking about land, power, and colonialism
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Requires minimal preparation with clear instructional scaffolds
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Encourages respectful, informed discussion of complex topics
This lesson is ideal for educators seeking secondary Ethnic Studies curriculum that meaningfully addresses Indigenous People’s Day through an Indigeneity-centered lens rather than a celebratory-only approach.