D-E recognized National Native American Heritage Month in November with special assemblies for our Lower School and Middle School students, offering opportunities to learn about Indigenous stories, history, traditions, and culture. The Lower School welcomed James Bruchac, an Abenaki author, and cultural and wilderness educator, who shared traditional stories inspired by nature and the teachings passed down through his family. Students heard the tale of how the chipmunk got its stripes, participated in a call and response during a story about the power of kindness, and examined footprint casts of a deer, moose, wolf, raccoon, and bear. “I grew up hearing these stories about animals,” shared James, whose passions include animal tracking and wilderness training. “And this made me want to learn more about them… and to track trail animals.” Middle School students welcomed the Redhawk Native American Arts Council for an engaging presentation featuring traditional music and dance, Indigenous sign languages, cultural history, and an interactive Iroquois “Robin Dance.” Through demonstrations and discussion, students also learned about the importance of respecting Native American identities. “Traditions and religions are not a costume,” the speaker emphasized. “Our culture is not a costume.” The assembly concluded with a beautiful cedar flute performance meant to represent “a song of the heart.” Through these experiences, D-E students deepened their understanding of Native American heritage while learning the importance of cultural appreciation, respect, and understanding.

In honor of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, celebrated this year on Nov. 8, D-E marked the occasion with activities across divisions. During a Lower School Assembly, students learned about influential South Asian figures, including Saadia Faruqi, author of the popular “Yasmin” children’s book series; cricket player Sachin Tendulkar; former tennis player Sania Mirza; Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India; and the current Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. Two Middle School students, Aadya Jain ’31 and Krishnaa Mudambi ’32, returned to Drapkin Hall to lead students in a traditional Indian dance. Aadya remarked that it was “good to give back to the Lower School community and to see our [South Asian] culture represented.” Added Krishnaa, “We both did a similar dance when we were in the Lower School, so it was a nostalgic experience.” Several other South Asian MS students gathered to make a rangoli, an Indian art form, and shared mango lassi with the rest of the D-E community. In addition, the Upper School’s South Asian Affinity group will host an intimate Diwali celebration in the Campus Center. What a lovely way to embrace the many ways culture brings our community together!