The university community will mark Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 14 and Indigenous Peoples’ Month throughout November. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an opportunity to honor the native peoples of the Americas and to reflect on their rich and continuing cultural heritage. 

Several events are scheduled to mark Indigenous Peoples’ Day. A student-led celebration will take place on Monday, October 14 at 1:00 p.m. on Cross Campus.

On October 13 a poster, beading, and gift making workshop will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Native American Cultural Center (NACC), 26 High Street.

October 14 events include Taqueria Tlaxcala in Pierson College Dining Hall from 11:45 p.m. to 12:45 p.m., speaking event with Jerrod Impichchaachaaha Tate from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Hendrie Hall – Room 301, smudging in Branford College Courtyard from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Talent Night in Branford College Common Room at 8:00 p.m.

On October 14 and throughout the year we recognize the vibrant history, diverse cultures, and meaningful contributions of the Indigenous peoples of our community and our country. We especially honor the Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, Eastern Pequot, Schaghticoke, Golden Hill Paugussett, Niantic, and the Quinnipiac nations and other Algonquian-speaking peoples for stewarding through generations the lands and waterways of what is now the State of Connecticut. 

Members of the Yale community have many backgrounds, interests, and identities, and they may mark and celebrate October 14 in different ways—as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Columbus Day, and Italian Heritage Day—even as classes, research, and work on campus continue.  

For all of us, these commemorations can prompt reflection on the complicated history of the United States and our unfinished journey toward “liberty and justice for all.”