St. Scholastica to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day

The College will recognize Oct. 11 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day for the first time in its 110 year history. The day’s festivities include a reading of the institution’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day proclamation, an Honor Song performed by Jeremy Wilson and Brian Kingfisher, and a traditional fall Dewe’igan feast.

The historic celebration is part of the College’s commitment to inclusive excellence and fostering strong relationships with regional tribal communities.

“Recognizing this important day positions us to have conversations, engage in community and honor the many contributions Indigenous people have made to our community,” said Dr. Amy Bergstrom, chief diversity officer.

Jennifer Niemi, director of Native Studies, compiled and distributed a resource list with articles, videos and podcasts so that members of the St. Scholastica community can learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day and its significance.

“It is our hope that people will pause and recognize the resilience of Indigenous people,” said Niemi. “We are not just a people of the past but have a thriving language, culture and ceremony that continues to sustain today and will continue to do so for generations to come.”

Members of the public are invited to live-stream the proclamation beginning at 9 a.m. via Zoom. The Dewe’igan feast begins at 5 p.m. in the Benedictine Commons and is free and open to all members of the St. Scholastica community.