Indigenous Peoples’ Day has always been a celebration of collective resistance. Amid this crushing pandemic and uprisings against racism and police violence, its message endures. We Americans—Indigenous or not, on whichever side of the U.S. border—have to show up for each other: when we’re on social media, when we’re teaching history or witnessing injustice now, when it comes time to donate money or assistance to Native governments and organizations, and when we’re voting.
We can commit to changes that will remedy the longstanding inequalities that have created this crisis in Native America. We can commit to emergency aid to help Indigenous communities fight COVID-19; more investment in tribal health and infrastructure; and an end to xenophobic invasion of Native border communities.
While we may not be able to dance, dream and eat together this Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the commemoration teaches that we can pursue joy and justice at the same time. And we will do both in the future and in each other’s company.
Dr. Elizabeth Ellis, Peoria Tribe, in Colorlines
In-Person Event
Monday, Oct 12, 3:30 pm (Mountain Time)
Drive-In Event at The Downs in Santa Fe
Indigenous performers and artisans, vendors and food. Film “Neither Wolf Nor Dog” starts at 7:00 pm. Hosted by Motorama in partnership with the Santa Fe Indian Center.
Online Events
Sunday, Oct 11, 7 pm (Mountain Time)
Indigenous People’s Day LIVE: Wisdom, Art, & Activism
The International Indigenous Youth Council presents this virtual showcase filled with Indigenous artists, singers, dancers, activists & knowledge carriers from across Turtle Island. Official line-up includes Lyla June Johnston, Mario Ollicoyotl Ramirez, Elizabeth Swanson Andi, Sadie-Phoenix Lavoie, Vania Luna Gutierrez, and many more.
Monday, Oct 12, 11 am (Mountain Time)
Indigenous People’s Day Live with Edgar Villanueva and Friends (Live Instagram Event)
Edgar Villanueva of the Decolonizing Wealth Project and others will talk about the urgency of making Indigenous Peoples’ Day a federal holiday in the U.S. Guests include Crystal Echo Hawk, Nick Tilsen, George Galvis, and Chrissie Castro. The series of conversations will focus on the importance of the Native vote and building political power as we approach our crucial election on November 3; our movement to return public lands to Indigenous hands, and Indigenous solidarity for Black Lives as we continue to deconstruct systemic racism.
Monday, Oct 12, 4 pm (Mountain Time)
Virtual Film Screening: Conscience Point
The Red Nation East Coast will be hosting a virtual screening of CONSCIENCE POINT, a film about the Shinnecock Nation and their fight to reclaim and protect Shinnecock Hills, located in the Hamptons.
Take Action in Solidarity
Here in Northern New Mexico, you may have been following our posts about Los Alamos National Laboratory’s plan to vent radioactive tritium. Thanks to the pressure raised by our collective actions in protest of this, LANL is now planning a virtual public information session on Tuesday, October 20, at 5 pm. Please plan to attend and learn how to register and prepare for this meeting here.
Donate
This is a wonderful day to direct some of your financial resources in support of Indigenous organizations that work hard every day to protect land and waters, to address and remedy longstanding inequities, to decolonize. Here are a few suggestions (please note this list is not meant to be definitive):