How colleges are acknowledging Indigenous Peoples Day
As colleges across the U.S. increasingly recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day, they're embracing the opportunity to honor Indigenous communities, raise awareness of their history, and celebrate their culture through meaningful events and actions.
Penn State University is one of many institutions leading the charge, organizing a series of events to mark this important day, alongside other universities like the University of Connecticut (UConn) and CU Boulder. Here’s how colleges are commemorating Indigenous Peoples' Day and fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous history and culture.
Indigenous Peoples' Day represents a shift in how we recognize history. For centuries, Christopher Columbus was celebrated for his “discovery” of the Americas. However, this narrative overlooks the fact that Indigenous peoples had been living on these lands long before Columbus arrived. His arrival led to the colonization, enslavement, and displacement of many Indigenous communities - a legacy that continues to impact these communities today.
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day acknowledges this history and serves as an opportunity to honor the cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
Colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to lead these conversations and actions, offering platforms for Indigenous voices to be heard and for communities to engage in meaningful dialogue.
While many universities have adopted land acknowledgments, it’s important that these acknowledgments aren’t merely performative.
As CU Boulder professor Andrew Cowell notes, "Land acknowledgments should ideally be about both past history and present inequities, and the responsibility of the acknowledgers to remediate those where they can."
There are many ways to celebrate and respect Indigenous Peoples' Day on college campuses and beyond:
Learn About the Land: Identify and acknowledge the Native lands where your campus or community resides.
Participate in Events: Attend workshops, lectures, and cultural performances hosted by Indigenous organizations.
Support Indigenous Initiatives: Donate to Indigenous-led organizations or advocate for causes that uplift Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
Educate Yourself: Read books, watch films, or attend discussions that focus on Indigenous history and perspectives.
Colleges across the U.S. are using Indigenous Peoples' Day as a platform to engage with the rich histories and traditions of Indigenous peoples while reflecting on their role in ongoing social justice efforts.
From Penn State’s Fancy Dance Workshop to CU Boulder’s land acknowledgment, these celebrations remind us of the importance of honoring the original inhabitants of our lands, not only on this day but throughout the year.
By creating spaces for Indigenous voices and stories, universities are helping to foster a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Best of luck,
Melina Kazanas
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