NSU Center for Tribal Studies to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024 event – Oct. 14

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Northeastern State University Center for Tribal Studies will celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with their annual event in Tahlequah on Oct. 14.

“The purpose of this event is to provide an opportunity for the members of the NSU and surrounding communities to come out and celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day together,” Randilyn Rose, Retention Specialist, Center for Tribal Studies said. “Although there is a large Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration in Tulsa, not everyone has the opportunity to travel. Our office has a goal of providing a similar experience for our own communities.”

The event will begin at 2 p.m. on Beta Field with the introduction of a game of Cherokee Marbles, then Handgame/Chunkey at 3 p.m. and Stickball at 4 p.m. Following the conclusion of the games at 5:30 p.m., speakers Dr. Jerrid Freeman, Vice President of Student Affairs and a special guest will address the crowd for the IPD address at 5:45 p.m., which will end at 6:15 p.m.

CTS will provide food prepared by Drake's Kitchen, a local food truck for up to 150 people, Rose said. Craft materials will also be available to attendees who are interested in weaving make-and-take baskets.

Recognized on the second Monday of October, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated annually across the United States and other parts of the Americas.

“This is a day that is for our community to celebrate. We celebrate indigenous life, culture, games, arts, food and community,” Rose said. “Everyone is welcome!”

The Solidarity March from Beta Field to the Cherokee National Peace Pavilion will conclude the celebration and starts at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the March if they are physically able to do so. Shuttle service will be available for participants from the Cherokee National Peace Pavilion back to NSU.

This event is free and students, faculty, staff and members of the general public are invited and encouraged to join in the IPD festivities.

“We are proud to honor NSU’s Indigenous roots and join members of the Native American community in celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” NSU President Rodney Hanley said. “NSU is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment and we look forward to welcoming members of the surrounding community on our campus as we take time to recognize Native American histories and cultures.”

For questions or additional information, call the Center for Tribal Studies 918-444-4350 or email tribalstudies@nsuok.edu.

###