Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024
By Muriel Ammon
This Monday October 14 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Over the decades, there has been contention over this holiday. Taking offense to the nation’s celebration of a violent leader of the colonization of the New World, Indigenous people acted to subvert the narrative by renaming the day and finding new cause to celebrate. This year, we cheer for Resilience and Restitution. There are so many events to attend, it’s a little overwhelming. Hoopa tribal member Mary Jane Risling comments on the growth of this day and California Indian Day, saying,
“Initially it was making contemporary tribal existence known, both political and cultural, and providing an occasion for Indians to gather and build connection and community. That was back in the 70s before determination and casinos. Now many tribes are political players with growing tribe/state partnerships. State and federal agencies, as well as educational institutions, have tribal liaison or programs that participate. Tribes have more resources and support activities such as the traditional cultural skills.”
And so, as we celebrate a day of visibility, we can also appreciate the growth of our communities, success through sovereignty, and meaningful relationship building which coincide to create our local IPD programming.
The day starts at 4 in the morning, in Ohlone and Coast Miwok territory. The dedicated early risers ride out to Alcatraz Island, for the annual Sunrise Gathering. Every year crowds draw to celebrate the 1969-1971 re-settling of Alcatraz. Bundled up, Indigenous people from around the world gather in prayer, mingle, observe cultural demonstrations, and commemorate the day. The photo above shows the Indians of All Tribes at the first Thanksgiving in Alcatraz’s recreation yard (photo provided by the National Parks Service). These protesters reshaped the connection that California Natives have with this land. Each year, that relationship is reaffirmed and made special in new ways. Thanks to the International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) for organizing this event.
The San Francisco Arts Commission is partnering with the IITC to offer accompanying programming at the Yerba Buena Gardens. Following the Sunrise Gathering, people are invited to reconvene for more Indigenous cultural performances and speakers, as well as a market. The performers will include John Paul Hodge, Anuhak Underground, Sihasin, and Audiopharmacy. There will be intertribal drummers and dancers. Be on the lookout for Yuki Resistance, Kashaya, and Mexica dancers.
Many of us won’t travel quite so far on our day of celebration. There’s plenty to do at home.
Student and Native program led activities are becoming more established in colleges across the country. Cal Poly Humboldt is providing a week of events, including a film screening on cultural fire management, a volunteer day at the Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab, and an acorn crepe cooking workshop with chef Sara Calvosa. Many of these programs have been running for quite a number of years. Santa Rosa Junior College’s annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day event will host Indigenous dance groups, intertribal drumming, and an Indigenous market. UC Berkeley is holding their 32nd Powwow. The Stanford Natives are organizing to attend the Sunrise Gathering at Alcatraz, and return to school for a candlelight vigil.
There are some pretty spectacular events in the Los Angeles area. The Getty is hosting a pre-Indigenous Peoples’ Day family event October 12, and it is packed with workshops, performances, and food tasting. To note, Lazaro Arvizu, Jr. (Gabrielino) is leading workshops on making Tongva clapper sticks, Weshoyot Alvtire (Tongva, Scottish) will be discussing preserving and protecting white sage, and the trio of poets Solange Aguilar, (Mescalero Apache, Yoeme, Kalinga, Kapampangan), Jessa Calderon, (Tongva, Chumash, Yoeme), and Emily Clarke (Cahuilla) are performing live. This is an event for all ages. Enjoy some hands on creating.
Not too far away, the Chapter House is hosting an IPD party October 12. Stencil making and block printing workshops are planned, as well as coloring with Blue Bird Flour designs. I’m so jealous, I want to be there. Live music will be performed by Emcee & DJ Val the Vandal, Dirt Rhodes, and Hale & Company Drum Group. Finish the day by checking out the Indigenous market featuring artists including Neon Navajo, Joolie Fiveash, Tekenya Sanchez, and Lauren Nicole Creations.
October 14, Idyllwild Arts Academy is hosting a family event. Come hear the Delbert Anderson Quartet, led by Delbert Anderson, Diné jazz trumpet artist, composer, and educator. Also featured is a Hopi glass demonstration. Ooh la la.
Taking a look at all of these highly anticipated events, it is emboldening to see how our communities value the arts. I am reminded how creative spaces can and should be open to Native communities. I am especially pleased to see programming that connects youth to such talented cultural bearers, visual artists, musicians, and writers. My sincere gratitude to the community leaders who advocate for these programs to continue. Wishing you all a happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
