Celebrating Indigenous People's Day

This year marks the first time in U.S history that a president has officially recognized Indigenous People’s Day.

Today we honor Native wisdom, their ancestors, and their contributions to society throughout history despite centuries of discrimination and assimilation.

Why do we celebrate Indigenous People’s Day?

The shift away from celebrating Columbus Day marks a movement towards a more positive and accurate tale of Native Americans and acknowledges a history that glorified violence against Indigenous communities, the original stewards of the land.

“For generations, Federal policies systematically sought to assimilate and displace Native people and eradicate Native cultures,” wrote President Biden in a statement issued last Friday. “Today, we recognize Indigenous peoples’ resilience and strength as well as the immeasurable positive impact that they have made on every aspect of American society.”

Image Left to Right: Derek Red Arrow Frank, enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe in ceremonial dress, Delvis Heath Sr., Chief of the Warm Springs Tribe and Gerard Rodriguez, Yaqui/Nahuatl and Trust Associate Director and Director of Tribal Affairs, Bud Lane, Siletz Tribal Councilman and Robert Kentta, Trust Board Chair and Siletz Tribal Councilman.

Events you can attend in the Portland Metro area

However you chose to celebrate this Indigenous People’s Day, we’ve collected a short list of events worth checking out. From Native art to food to live events featuring music and performances, there’s something for everyone this Indigenous People’s Day!

Clackamas County Indigenous People's Day Celebration

Join Clackamas County in celebration of Indigenous People’s day this upcoming Sunday, October 9th from 11:00 to 3:00p at Clackamas Community College in the Environmental Learning Center. The event will feature food, music, storytelling, vendors and more! 

Portland Museum of Natural and Cultural History

In honor of Indigenous People’s Day the Museum of Natural and Cultural History is offering free admission on Monday, October 10th. Delve into Oregon’s story, from the archaeology of the First Americans to the dynamic cultures of today’s Tribes. Combining interactive displays with world-class anthropological collections, Oregon—Where Past is Present shares 14,000 years of Oregon stories, and invites you to tell your own.

West Linn Indigenous People’s Day Virtual Celebration 

The city of West Linn is hosting a virtual celebration to acknowledge, honor, value, and celebrate Indigenous People. The event will include Indigenous history, drumming, dancing, voices from the community, a land acknowledgement and more on Wednesday, October 12th from 4:00 - 5:00p.

Indigenous People’s Marketplace Barbie’s Village Meet and Greet

Atwai Barbie Jackson Shields, Warm Springs and Klamath Tribal member, was a Natural Helper with Future Generations Collaborative. When she passed away Barbie’s Village was born, a tiny-home village for houseless Native women and children. This Monday, October 10th Indigenous People’s Marketplace invites all to celebrate this historic moment with the Native and Laurelhurst communities. The event will include dinner, vaccines, a children’s powwow, speakers, vendors, building tours and more! 

“Conquering Columbus: Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery.” 

“Conquering Columbus: Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery”, the webinar, will describe the theory and historic process of the Doctrine of Discovery and consider how it instituted long-term negative impacts on Indigenous people. Click the link to register for this incredible opportunity to learn from a panel of experts on this issue this Tuesday, October 11th at 10:00am.

Portland Museum of Art Native American Art Exhibit 

Looking for your fill of art and beauty this Indigenous People’s Day? Located on the second and third floors of the Hoffman Wing in the Museum’s Main Building, the Portland Art Museum’s collection of Native American art consists of 3,500 prehistoric and historic objects created by some 200 cultural groups from throughout North America. Worth the visit!

GATHER art exhibition by Cannupa Hanska Luger and Marie Watt at Stelo Arts

Join artists-in-residence Cannupa Hanska Luger and Marie Watt at Stelo Arts next Sunday, October 16th for a special interactive event titled ‘Greater than the sum of its parts’. The intention of this free community event is to provide folks with an understanding of how the art currently on view at Stelo was made - a peek behind the bandanas and jingles. Bring your questions and your curiosity.

About The Willamette Falls Trust

Willamette Falls Trust works to create public access at Willamette Falls and restore power and decision making to Tribes with connection to the Falls. Currently our board holds representatives of The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs which work through our Tribal Leadership Committee to heal this place of power.

Follow us on social media for project updates and more information on community events coming soon!