196 American Indian Education

Ojibwe Language

Dakota Language

Wi Iwikcemna -Tenth month.

Why is it called Indigenous Peoples' Day?

For the third year in a row, the United States observed Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, October 9, 2023. In 2021, President Biden issued the first-ever presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples Day. The President said in a statement that the day is meant to “honor America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal Nations that continue to thrive today.” Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an opportunity to recognize the unique cultures and traditions of the 574 federally recognized Tribes in the United States.

Where Is Indigenous People's Day Celebrated?

Indigenous People’s day is celebrated in the states of Alaska, Minnesota, Vermont, Iowa, North Carolina, California, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Virginia, Oregon and Texas. Other states observe the day but have different titles for the day. The state of South Dakota celebrates Native Americans’ Day, Hawaii celebrates Discoverers' Day and Alabama celebrates American Indian Heritage Day.

Indigenous Arts ranges from baskets to storytelling. Each Native American artist creating a piece or performance that celebrates or helps us understand the past and present of Indigenous life.

In this issue, we are sharing Native American arts being featured in the area.

For the People, is an on stage production that premiered at Guthrie Theatre. For the People is the Guthrie Theatre's first mainstage production written by playwrights Larissa FastHorse and Ty Defoe. For the People features Native American writers, directors, actors, stage design and tribal language consultants.

The 90 minute story features culture, tradition, Dakota language, Ojibwe languge and contemporary issues impacting the Native American community.

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is featuring the exhibit of Native American photographs. The Native photography, as framed by generations of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Native American photographers themselves. Presenting over 150 photographs of, by, and for Indigenous people, “In Our Hands” welcomes all to see through the lens held by Native photographers.

The exhibit opening is October 22, 2023 to January 14, 2024.