Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, observed Monday, October 13 with a district holiday, OUSD will join communities across the country to recognize the resilience, contributions, and cultural heritage of Native peoples. First celebrated in the East Bay in 1992, the holiday serves as a meaningful alternative to Columbus Day, honoring Indigenous communities and acknowledging historical injustices.

The Bay Area is home to about 18,500 Indigenous people, including the Ohlone, who have lived here for thousands of years, and are the most prominent Indigenous group in the Bay Area. Despite the devastating impact of colonization, the Ohlone and other Indigenous communities continue to preserve cultural traditions and advocate for land rights. Our schools are located on Ohlone territory, which includes the modern day cities of Oakland, Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, and Piedmont.

In California during the 2024-25 school year, there were almost 25,000 Native students among California’s 5.8 million public school students, and many Latino and African American students have Indigenous ancestral roots. Here in OUSD, we are honored to support more than 700 Indigenous students across the District. Through programs like the Title VI Native American Education Program, we strive to ensure that our curriculum reflects accurate histories and the diverse voices of Native communities.

We invite you to learn more about Indigenous People, and their incredible contributions and heritage at these upcoming local celebrations:

33rd Annual Berkeley Indigenous Peoples Day PowWow & Indian Market TODAY, Saturday, October 11 10 AM - 6 PM MLK Civic Center Park, Allston Way, Berkeley

Blessing & Mural Unveiling at Hintil Ku'u Ča Monday, October 13 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Hintil Ku'u Ča Child Development Center, located at Carl B. Munck Elementary School (11850 Campus Drive) Join us in celebrating Hintil Ku'u Ča with a special blessing and mural unveiling. This community gathering will honor the continued legacy of Hintil Ku'u Ča with art and food. The event will be a potluck-style gathering—please bring a favorite dish to share. Light refreshments will also be provided.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Sunrise Gathering at Alcatraz Monday, October 13 This event is organized by the International Indian Treaty Council, commemorating the 1969-71 occupation of Alcatraz by the Indians of All Tribes. Click here for details on meeting location, boat departures, tickets, etc.

Looking ahead, OUSD will continue to celebrate and honor Indigenous People next month. Following a 2020 resolution by the Board of Education, November is officially recognized as Indigenous Peoples' Heritage Month across the District. 

We wish everyone a restful holiday on Monday and look forward to seeing you back in school on Tuesday.