Celebrating Resistance and Resilience during Indigenous Peoples’ Week

The rattling of beads and the thumping of drums rang through the University Quad, as smoke from burning copal was carried by the wind. This scene was the kick off event on Monday Oct. 14, for the celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Week here at Cal Poly Humboldt campus which will continue through Friday Oct. 18.

The Indian Tribal & Educational Personnel Program (ITEPP) club celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a drum circle made of students and community members. Dr. Kayla Begay, chair of the Native American Studies (NAS) program, members of the Danza Azteca club and INRSEP drum group were present.

“The concept of ‘Indigenous Peoples’ Day’ emerged as a movement to replace Columbus Day, with the first official recognition happening in Berkeley, California in 1992, marking the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. Here at Humboldt we have done Indigenous Peoples Week (IPW) to help educate and celebrate our existence,” as described on the ITEPP event calendar website. 

Suhahat “Suki” Frease-renfree is a junior tribal forestry major student who also serves as the president of ITEPP club. 

“Indigenous People’s Week to me means an acknowledgement to everyone else that Indigenous people are still here, but not just still here but still thriving regardless of every single thing that is thrown at Indigenous peoples around the country, throughout time,” Frease-renfree said. 

The rest of the week will proceed with a variety of different events, all highlighting the spirit of Indigenous resilience and knowledge. On Tuesday Oct. 15, there will be a screening and panel discussion of the film “Fire Tender” which will be hosted at the Native American Forum BSS 162 from 6-8pm. 

“The film shows the teachings of cultural prescribed burns and the importance of how Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) correlates with it,” said Shobe Britton, a double major in NAS and childhood development.

As  a member of the ITEPP club council, Britton played an active role in hosting the kick off event. Announcing to the crowd of students the significance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. 

“I think the most important part is just letting people know that we’re still here, that our cultures are still here, we’re taking up space in a place that never wanted us. Also to show solidarity with each other as Indigenous people,” Covin Sigala, a junior NAS major said.

Some other events occurring throughout the week include:

A Book Talk with Chef in Residence Sara Calvosa- Native American Forum Oct. 16. 1-2pm

Decolonizing Sustainability speaker series presentation by Dr. Daniel Lipe- Native American Forum Oct. 17. 

For more information about additional events happening this week, visit the ITEPP website https://www.humboldt.edu/itepp/indigenous-peoples-week