On Oct. 13, the Native Student Alliance (NSA) and Latin American Indigenous Student Association (LAISA) celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day with cultural traditions, dancers and attendees from across the Denver area.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, celebrated on the second Monday of October, celebrates the contributions and resilience of Indigenous people while acknowledging the detrimental impacts of colonialism on Indigenous communities. South Dakota became the first state in 1990 to officially celebrate the day, calling it ‘Native American Day’ at the time. Over the years, the holiday has become formally recognized in several cities and states and became an official federal holiday in 2021.
On a cold, rainy Monday, students from the NSA and LAISA joined together to raise a thipi [tipi] on the green in front of the Anderson Academic Commons and kick off the day’s celebrations. After a prayer song led by members of the NSA e-board — Devin Hernandez, Kennedy Fridia and Elizabeth Standing Bear — the festivities continued inside the library.
Once inside, respected elders of the Denver Indigenous community gave speeches. One, presented by DU alum Rosie Molina, emphasized the importance of community and collaboration among tribes.
“We’re always going to be connected. No matter what it’s called, we’re still going to celebrate,” said Molina, addressing the Trump Administration’s decision to recognize Columbus Day, changing former President Biden’s decision to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2021.
After these speeches, students and community members enjoyed several performances by local dancers accompanied by drummers. The audience was then invited to participate in their own dance, called the “Friendship Dance,” where they joined hands, stomped along to the beat of the drums and danced around the room, concluding the day’s celebrations.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day means something different to every Indigenous person.
“This day means a lot to me. I remember when Denver officially changed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day, it was monumental. I think it also serves as a reminder that Indigenous people are not of the past but still present and very important,” said Jeselle Arita, a third-year mechanical engineering student.
The holiday can be celebrated by anyone in any way. To start, one must recognize the essential contributions Indigenous people have made to the United States, as well as their perseverance and ongoing fight for sovereignty.
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