Western Washington University
10/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/09/2024 10:34
Local Organizations Partner to Host Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration Oct. 14
WWU News
Local Organizations Partner to Host Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration Oct. 14
Free community event, open to all, honors Indigenous leadership
October 9, 2024
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Community members are invited to join several local organizations in celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day from 5 - 8 p.m. on Oct. 14, 2024 at the Lummi Nation School. The event will include a community dinner; Indigenous artists, vendors, and speakers; and song, dance and ceremony by local Indigenous leaders.
The program centers the leadership and knowledge young Indigenous people bring forward to address today's pressing issues. Attendees will hear from keynote speaker, the powerful Ta'Kaiya Blaney, who is a singer, award-winning actress, speaker, and environmental activist from the Tla A'min Nation in British Columbia. Lummi Nation School youth leaders will also share in a panel discussion.
The event begins with a salmon dinner, free for all attendees, and the chance to visit booths featuring the work of Indigenous artists and non-profit organizations. The Blackhawk Singers will open and close the event with ceremonial song and dance.
With a theme of "One People", this Indigenous People's Day celebration is an opportunity for non-Indigenous and Indigenous community members to gather together in healing and unity and reflect on a commitment to shared humanity and values of gratitude, generosity and respect in a divided world.
Event details are available at www.wwu.edu/ipd.
About the event sponsors
This event is sponsored by the Community Consortium for Cultural Recognitions (C3R), a partnership comprising an array of local organizations: Bellingham Public Library, Bellingham Public Schools, Bellingham Technical College, City of Bellingham, Northwest Indian College, PeaceHealth, Western Washington University, and Whatcom Community College. Children of the Setting Sun Productions, Bellingham SeaFeast, Alaska Gold Seafood, Whatcom Intergenerational High School, and Affiliated Tribes of NW Washington have joined the Consortium in sponsoring this event.