Indigenous Peoples’ Day, celebrated on the second Monday in October, offers a meaningful opportunity to honor and acknowledge Indigenous peoples’ history, culture, and contributions. When considering how kids’ yoga can be integrated into the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, several connections can be made:
1. Connect with Nature
Yoga often emphasizes the connection between the body, mind, and the environment. Many Indigenous cultures have a profound relationship with nature, viewing the earth as a living entity. Incorporating nature-focused yoga poses (like tree pose, mountain pose, and animal-themed poses) can help kids reflect on the importance of nature and the environment, which is central to many Indigenous belief systems.
2. Mindfulness and Respect
One of the primary goals of kids’ yoga is to instill mindfulness, respect for oneself, and respect for others. This mindfulness can be expanded on Indigenous Peoples’ Day to include respect for Indigenous cultures, traditions, and history. Coaches and educators can use yoga sessions to introduce topics like gratitude, respect for diversity, and learning from different cultures.
3. Land Acknowledgment and Gratitude Practice
Yoga encourages a practice of gratitude. Indigenous Peoples’ Day provides an opportunity to teach children about land acknowledgment—recognizing and respecting the Indigenous peoples who lived on the land before colonization. Coaches can integrate moments of gratitude into yoga by acknowledging the traditional lands they are practicing on, fostering awareness and appreciation in kids.
4. Celebrate Community and Unity
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is also a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities. Yoga can be practiced collectively, emphasizing community, unity, and mutual support, mirroring many Indigenous values.
5. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
Coaches and educators must approach integrating Indigenous themes into yoga with cultural sensitivity. Partnering with local Indigenous educators or elders can help ensure the teachings and practices are respectful and accurate, avoiding appropriation and focusing on genuine cultural appreciation.
By integrating kids’ yoga with Indigenous Peoples’ Day themes, coaches and educators can create a space for learning, reflection, and appreciation, helping children connect with their bodies and with Indigenous communities’ cultural history and values.
Send the kids to IYK® Camp on Monday, October 14th, to learn yoga and about the land in the Presidio.
