Editor’s note: This story has been corrected in its online version to reflect the correct day of the week of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.  

In the past, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which falls on the second Monday of October each year, was only celebrated in a single day on Oregon State University’s campus. 

This year is the first time that day has been expanded into a week according to OSU Director of Tribal Relations, Chance White eyes. “ “I am most excited about expanding this celebration beyond a single day,” he said in an email.

According to the mission statement for the event, in 1977, Indigenous Peoples’ Day was imagined as a counter holiday to Columbus Day, in order to “draw attention to Indigenous sovereignty, struggles and rights.” 

It wasn’t until 2015 that Portland and Corvallis became the first cities in Oregon to proclaim the holiday. 

“It’s really beautiful to see where a conversation with a couple of students at the kaku-ixt mana ina haws has transformed to over the years,” Assistant Professor and Coordinator Indigenous Studies at OSU and Indigenous Peoples’ Week planning committee member Luhui Whitebear said in an email. “To go from just three of us planning the very first one to having an institutional committee to plan a week of amazing events really speaks to the power of student voice and OSU’s commitment to putting our land acknowledgment into meaningful actions.”

Now, in 2024, OSU will follow Corvallis in proclaiming Indigenous People’s Day. The signing of the proclamation, which will include the Mayor of Corvallis, Charles Maughan, takes place during a ceremony on Oct.14 at the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts. 

“The signing is a reaffirmation that the city and OSU is committed to supporting the sovereignty of Tribal nations and the rights of Indigenous people,” Whitebear said. “Actions that follow proclamation signings is the next step.”

Taking the place of Columbus Day, which celebrates the controversial explorer Christopher Columbus, Indigenous Peoples’ Day at OSU will occur every year on the second Monday of October with the remainder of the week dedicated to events “focused on decolonizing the Indigenous narrative.”

“For me, this is a tangible demonstration of OSU’s commitment to serving, honoring, and supporting Indigenous communities,” White Eyes said. “We still have work to do, but this is a great step in the right direction.”

Events will conclude with a welcome at The Kaku-Ixt Mana Ina Haws cultural center which is open to all students and OSU faculty throughout the year and works to support indigenous students on campus. 

The week of Oct. 14 will feature events depicted below:

Monday, Oct. 14 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day

The day will start with a reception at the College of Forestry’s Peavy Forest Science Center Atrium. There will be traditional foods and crafts as well as remarks from both the Indigenous and College of Forestry communities.

9 a.m. – A welcome by Dr. Christina Eisenberg; opening ceremony by Ashley Russell; remarks from College of Forestry Indigenous faculty and staff; traditional craft stations.

Afterwards, the events at PRAx will commence.

1 p.m. – Indigenous Peoples’ Day Panel Discussion. Panelists will include Delia Sanchez, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and Ashley Russell, a miluk coos and Pamunkey descendent who is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians.

2 p.m. Indigenous Peoples’ Day proclamation signing

Featuring the City of Corvallis mayor.

6 p.m. – Live performance with Native Rose

With special opening dances from the Pacific Islander Association

Tuesday Oct. 15

Reception for “Oregon is Indian Country”, a traveling exhibit from the Oregon Historical Society, on display at the Valley Library, Autzen Classroom.

10 a.m. – Free coffee, tea and assorted foods

Wednesday, Oct. 16

Screening and discussion of “Life Over Lithium”, a short film about lithium mining on the sacred Indigenous land of the People of Red Mountain. Aftwards, participate in a discussion with panelists Daranda Hinkey and Kaila Farrell-Smith.

Thursday, Oct. 17

In partnership with the President’s Commission on Indigenous affairs, an OSU Indigenous community welcome at kaku-ixt mana ina haws.

5 p.m.