CWU to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 12

Native American artists from Northwest regional tribes will join members of the Central Washington University and Ellensburg communities on Monday, October 12, for an Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration.

The inaugural First Peoples’ Art Market will be held in SURC 137 and in the corridor from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will highlight Yakama Nation artists who have called the Kittitas Valley their home since time immemorial.

The Art Market will feature authentic Native American beadwork, drums, jewelry, basketry, fashion, sculpture, literature, and more from Northwest Plateau and Coast Salish artists. Attendees will have an opportunity to interact with the artists and purchase unique, handmade items directly from them.

Also beginning at 11 a.m., CWU Dining Services will offer a variety of Indigenous foods in the Holmes Dining Room at the all-you-care-to- enjoy price of $15.95. Featured menu items include sauteed corn mushrooms with fresh corn and sage; blackberry-glazed beets; wild rice pilaf with wild mushrooms, chestnuts, and dried cranberries; Hunters Stew with bison, juniper, and wild onions; and huckleberry fritters for dessert.

“Indigenous Peoples' Day gives us a moment to pause and learn about our nation's history,” said Zoё Higheagle Strong, Associate Vice President of Tribal Relations. “Many tribes in our region have documented evidence of living on and caring for these lands for more than 12,000 years. That history is powerful, and so are the contributions Native and Indigenous peoples make to our region today.”

Higheagle Strong and her colleagues look forward to welcoming Native artists and members of the local community in celebration of our region’s diverse history.

“This year, we are celebrating the gifts and talents of our regional Native and Indigenous artists whose work carries our cultures forward and enriches our community,” she said. “We hope you will join us in building lasting connections to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the original peoples of our lands.”

The Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration is presented by the CWU Tribal Relations Office, the Office of the President, Office of the Provost,  Multicultural Center, American Indian Studies, Native American Student Union (NASU), Student Leadership Involvement and Community Engagement (SLICE), Student Engagement and Success, CWU Libraries, CWU Dining Services, World Languages and Cultures, and the Kittitas County Historical Museum.

If you have questions about the October 12 celebration in the SURC, please call 509-963-1855.