The East Central University Native American Student Association will observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, Oct. 10, beginning at 7 a.m.
President Joe Biden declared Indigenous Peoples’ Day a holiday in the United States in 2021. This is the first opportunity ECU students have had to coordinate activities for the holiday.
ECU Native American Student Association Vice President Reese Siegle said the event will begin with a Sunrise Ceremony at 7 a.m. on the University Center Lawn, located just west of the Bill S. Cole University Center on campus. An Elder will be giving a prayer in Chickasaw, along with others in their Native languages. Coffee and donuts will follow.
At 11 a.m. in the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center Foundation Hall, a showcase will be held, demonstrating cultures from various tribes, including tribal hymns.
At noon, Siegle said Indian Tacos will be served for lunch, thanks to the Chickasaw Nation and the Chokka’ Kilimpi’ Recruitment and Retention program.
The activities will conclude with a guest lecturer at 1 p.m., who will share what Indigenous Peoples’ Day means along with a background and history.
“Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day is especially important at ECU,” Siegle said. “ECU is on tribal land that was donated by Chickasaw Daniel Hays.”
ECU’s Land Acknowledgement Statement can be found at ecok.edu/about.
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