OUSD Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday with a District Holiday

Indigenous Peoples’ Day, observed tomorrow, Monday, October 14 with a district holiday, is a day for OUSD and communities across the country to recognize the strength, 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.

With its approximately 18,500 Indigenous residents representing diverse tribes, the Bay Area remains a major center for Native culture. The Ohlone people, who have lived here for thousands of years, are the region’s most prominent Indigenous group, with communities including the Chochenyo and Karkin in the East Bay. Despite the devastating impact of colonization, including forced assimilation and loss of land during the Mission period and the California Gold Rush, the Ohlone and other Indigenous communities continue to preserve cultural traditions and advocate for land rights. This history shapes our present and reminds us of the enduring cultural connection Indigenous people have to this land.

For a deeper understanding of the Lisjan (Ohlone) history and territory, visit the Sogorea Te’ Land Trust. Our school sites are located on Ohlone territory, which includes Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville, Albany, and Piedmont. Through programs like the Title VI Native American Education Program, we support more than 700 Indigenous students and strive to ensure our curriculum reflects accurate histories and the diverse voices of Native communities.

Our district is greatly enriched by the cultural contributions of Indigenous families, including many newly arrived Mam-speaking students from Guatemala. This community’s presence is celebrated in works like Mam History: Oakland Notes on the History of the Mayan-Mam Language, co-authored by Fremont High School teacher Javier Armas, Skyline High School senior Lorena Mendoza, and graduate Miguel Ortiz Martin. The book, which won the Oakland Heritage Alliance Award, is featured in local libraries and classrooms, preserving a unique piece of Oakland’s Indigenous history within the heart of our Latino community.

Locally, Children's Fairyland is recognizing the native land it sits on by displaying 'Ohlone Land' on Fairyland Hill. In collaboration with the Sogorea Te’ Land Trust and the Confederated Villages of Lisjan, this initiative will continue through the end of the year to mark Indigenous Peoples' Day and celebrate Native American Heritage Month, uplifting the voices and living history of the Ohlone people.

Looking ahead, OUSD is excited to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Heritage Month in November. Following a 2020 resolution by the Board of Education, November is officially recognized as Indigenous Peoples' Heritage Month across the District. Stay tuned for our comprehensive Indigenous Heritage Resource Guide, which will offer events, community voices, and educational resources for deeper engagement.

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