NSU, IPAO to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day

TAHLEQUAH, Okla – The Northeastern State University Center for Tribal Studies has partnered with the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of Oklahoma for the annual Indigenous Peoples Day celebration in Tahlequah on Oct. 9.

“We’re excited to continue this celebration of the resilience of Indigenous people and provide an opportunity for the community to come together in that spirit,” Sara Barnett, CTS Director said. “We hope the community will come out and enjoy traditional games plus the annual march downtown.”

This year the event brings traditional games at Beta Field beginning at 3 p.m. Attendees will be able to join in on Cherokee Marbles taught by Jared Davis and stickball taught by Trey Pritchett. Before each game the leaders will share an introduction and brief history to those who are wanting to play.

For those not wanting to participate in the games, but still wanting to join in the fun, the Crafting Circle with Lily Drywater has been moved to Beta Field. Drywater will be teaching how to weave baskets.

The Tatted Pig BBQ food truck will be set up serving dinner before the march begins, sponsored by the IPAO and Full Blood Clothing/Quah Laughs.

At 5:45 p.m. attendees will be invited to line up for the Indigenous Peoples Day solidarity march from Beta Field to the Cherokee Nation Courthouse Square. The march will begin at 6 p.m. led by the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians Honor Guard. CTS will provide shuttle service for participants from the square back to campus.

For additional information, please contact the Center for Tribal Studies at 918-444-4350 or tribalstudies@nsuok.edu.