PolyToday: Weaving Connections on Indigenous Peoples Day

To honor Indigenous Peoples Day, kindergarten students practiced basket weaving. They were introduced to the Tongva people, the first inhabitants of the Los Angeles area, who lived on this land for over a thousand years. Students learned about the many ways the Tongva used natural materials to make tools, homes, clothing, baskets, and more.
Together, they revisited the Lower School’s Land Acknowledgment, recognizing the importance of honoring the original stewards of this land. Using special looms and colorful yarn, students patiently wove small baskets—an exercise that called for focus, perseverance, and a growth mindset. The experience offered a lasting appreciation for the time, care, and artistry that basket weaving requires.