Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2022

Monday, October 10, 2022

Sponsored by the Native American House, American Indian Studies Program, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, University Library, University Housing, Spurlock Museum of World Cultures, the Illini Union Board, and the Humanities Research Institute

Schedule of Events

All events will be held at Knight Auditorium, Spurlock Museum of World Cultures (600 S. Gregory Street, Urbana), unless otherwise noted.

If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate, please email Brian Cudiamat, Coordinator of Special Events, Spurlock Museum, cudiamat@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.

9 a.m.
Welcome, Blessing, and Recognition of Place

9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
The Black Hawk Performance Company

The Black Hawk Performance Company (BHPC) is a Chicago-based powwow dance troupe comprising dancers from various Native Nations. Dr. Dorene Wiese (White Earth Ojibwe), a lifelong advocate of American Indian education and artistic director of BHPC, will emcee this 1-hour dance exhibition. Dr. Wiese will educate the audience about the styles of dance associated with powwows, a traditional cultural celebration and social event of many Native American communities.

12 to 1 p.m.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Luncheon

Core Gallery, Spurlock Museum of World Cultures (600 S. Gregory Street, Urbana)

Registration for this event is now full.

In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a buffet lunch menu comprising foods native to North America will be served. We encourage community members, students, staff, and faculty to register at the following link and share a meal with invited guests and members of the Indigenous higher education at the University of Illinois.

Registration is limited to 50 people. 

1 to 2 p.m.
Do You Know Where You Are?: Indigenous Perspectives About Place and Belonging

Moderator:

• Charlotte E. Davidson (Diné/Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nation), Director of the Native American House

Panelists:

• Jenny Davis (Chickasaw), Director and Associate Professor of American Indian Studies
• Rosalyn LaPier (Blackfeet/Métis), Professor, Department of History
• Jacki Thompson Rand (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), Associate Vice Chancellor for Native American Affairs, Special Advisor to the Chancellor for Native American Affairs, and Associate Professor of American Indian Studies 

While land acknowledgments are a relatively new tradition of many non-Native colleges and universities, Indigenous Peoples have long engaged in practices that begin with a view of their umbilical connection to lands, skies, and waters. This moderated session will explore Indigenous worldviews about place and belonging and how these concepts figure in the participation of Indigenous Peoples at the University of Illinois and beyond.

2 to 4 p.m.
10 Books to Read on Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Pop-up Library at the Native American House (NAH)

Location: Native American House (1206 W Nevada St, Urbana)

Curated in collaboration with María Emerson, Student Success Librarian, the pop-up library is an opportunity for the Indigenous higher education community at the University of Illinois to see themselves represented in the University Library collections. Visitors can learn about library materials by and about Indigenous Peoples and engage with María about the range of library resources and services available on campus.

4 p.m.
Un/Doing | Indigenous People’s Day Conversation: Jacki Thompson Rand with Mimi Thi Nguyen

Location: Levis Faculty Center, Room 210 (919 W. Illinois St., Urbana)

Jacki Thompson Rand (Associate Vice Chancellor for Native Affairs; American Indian Studies) is in conversation with Mimi Thi Nguyen (Gender & Women’s Studies). Moderated by Jenny L. Davis (American Indian Studies; Anthropology)

5:30 p.m.
Gather: A Documentary + Panel

Location: SDRP Room 2009 (301 E. Gregory Dr., Champaign)

“GATHER” is the story of the rebuilding of Native food systems. This feature film is an intimate portrait tracing the intentional destruction of Native American foodways, renaissance and resilience. Screening followed by a panel discussion.

Sponsored by the University Housing Inclusion & Leadership Mentors

Indigenous Themed Meals: University Housing

Special menu items in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day will be featured in University Housing Dining on Monday, October 10^th. Please visit the Illinois App or Housing Website for details.