On Monday, October 14, we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and take time to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, both past and present. This day serves as an important reminder to reflect on this history, to celebrate the diversity, resilience, and achievements of Indigenous cultures, and to continue learning from their enduring legacies.
On our campus, it is essential that current Native students, staff and faculty, and Native alumni lead the establishment of Indigenous-centered spaces on campus. In recognition of those spaces, Lewis & Clark will support several events aimed at deepening our understanding of local Indigenous experiences and contributions. These events provide an opportunity for all of us to listen to essential voices, expand our knowledge, and strengthen our community bonds.
On Monday, there will be a jointly sponsored Native Activism Panel and Dinner in Stamm West at 5 p.m. Also on Monday, the Native American Law Students (NALSA) are hosting a lunchtime event from 12:10–1:10 p.m. (bring your lunch and questions) in McCarty 3 and an evening event from 5:30–7 p.m. in the Legal Research Center with Judge David Avraham Voluck, Chief Judge of the Sitka Tribe of Alaska Tribal Court and Presiding Judge for the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island Tribal Government.
We encourage you to learn about the various events and art exhibits associated with this year’s Native Artist-Scholar in residence, Anthony Hudson (Grand Ronde/Siletz), who also performs in persona as Carla Rossi. We also invite you to learn more about both the Presidential Native American Advisory Committee and the Native American Alumni Association.
Please look out for more news next month when November will bring additional programming for Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month, planned by a collaborative Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement Center (IME) committee. We encourage you to participate in these events as a way to commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and reaffirm our collective responsibility to honor Indigenous perspectives and promote justice and equity in our community.
Moreover, we emphasize the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices not only today, but every day. In honoring the Indigenous groups on our campus, it is essential that we center Native voices and perspectives, uphold the ability to shape respective narratives, and ensure they are heard.
Another meaningful step we can take is to recognize and reflect on the relationship we have with the land on which we learn, work and live by acknowledging the original caretakers who have stewarded it for generations. By fostering a deeper understanding of this connection, we can better appreciate the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples and work toward a more respectful and just future for all.
Thank you for joining us in this important community reflection and celebration.
In Community,
Dr. Danielle Torres, Dean of Equity and Inclusion
Isa Simon, President of the Native Student Union
