CPS Native American Programs

The New York Times

Typically on the second Monday of October, Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes the Indigenous communities that have lived in the Americas for thousands of years. It became increasingly popular as a replacement for Columbus Day, which was meant to celebrate the explorer who sailed with a crew from Spain in three ships, the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria, in 1492.

In a proclamation for last year’s holiday, President Biden said that Indigenous Peoples’ Day is intended to “honor the sovereignty, resilience and immense contributions that Native Americans have made to the world.”

But he added that “we have more to do to help lift Tribal communities from the shadow of our broken promises, to protect their right to vote and to help them access other opportunities that their ancestors were long denied.”

This month, lawmakers from the House and Senate reintroduced a bill that would establish Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a federal holiday on the second Monday of October, replacing Columbus Day. The bill, according to the lawmakers, has 56 co-sponsors in the House and several co-sponsors in the Senate. Tribes including the Cherokee Nation and the Navajo Nation have expressed their support.

Before the president’s initial proclamation in 2021, many U.S. cities and states were observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Colleges and companies have also increasingly recognized it. South Dakota is believed to be the first state to have officially recognized the day (as Native American Day) in 1990. Native Americans make up about 8.5 percent of the state’s population, according to census figures from 2022. Alaska, Oregon and Vermont are among the states that also officially established the day as a holiday; many other states recognize it through proclamations. Cities like Berkeley, Calif., Seattle and Minneapolis also were early adopters.

Betts, A., Delkic, M. (2023, October 8). Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Explained: What is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/article/indigenous-peoples-day.html

Smithsonian Magazine

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with 15 beautiful photos that capture the richness of Native culture.

National Education Association

Resources to help educate students about Native history and people.

Colorín Colorado!

Indigenous Peoples' Day: Resources for Educators

Native Knowledge 360°

Find a wealth of primary sources and class resources for teaching about indigenous peoples.

Support the Cherokee Club and the CPS Native American Programs by buying an awesome t-shirt! The funds raised in this fundraiser will help provide additional materials and resources for our Native American Programs. The funds also provide our students with competition shirts for the Cherokee Challenge Bowl in the Fall and the Cherokee Language Bowl in the Spring.

Orders are due Friday, October 25, 2024.

For more information, please contact Katy England, Tashina Weaver, or Chloe Thomas. Wado!

Native American Cultural Night 2024

Save the date! Plan to join us for a family evening full of activities, education, and fun. We will serve Indian Tacos and free T-shirts will be available to the first 100 kids. It all happens Nov. 21st from 5-7pm in the Community Center.

Title VI Meeting:

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Dan Draper Community Center

3:30 p.m.

JOM Meeting:

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Dan Draper Community Center

4:30 p.m.

Title VI Meeting:

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Dan Draper Community Center

3:30 p.m.

JOM Meeting:

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Dan Draper Community Center

4:30 p.m.

Cherokee Nation Parent Resource Guide

The Cherokee Nation offers many services to its citizens and to other Native American tribes throughout its tribal jurisdiction in Northeastern Oklahoma. This guide is a resource for parents with information about services the tribe provides.

Cherokee Nation Language Resources

The Cherokee Nation Language Department is committed to preserving and perpetuating the Cherokee language through day-to-day spoken use and by generating more proficient second-language Cherokee speakers.

Cherokee Nation Tribal Registration

The Cherokee Nation Registration Office processes Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB), Dawes and Tribal Citizenship applications and issues CDIB, Citizenship, and Photo ID cards.

Cherokee Classes (art traditions, history, & genealogy)

Visit Cherokee Nation offers classes led by experts in Cherokee art traditions, history, and genealogy. Please note that classes fill up quickly and availability is not guaranteed. Follow Visit Cherokee Nation on social media for the latest info.