Inaugural Indigenous Peoples Day today in Grand Forks

 

The Inaugural Indigenous Peoples Day celebration will be held today from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Fire Hall Theater in Downtown Grand Forks. This free event is for all ages and open to the public.

In July of this year the Grand Forks City Council unanimously passed annually recognizing the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day. The Indigenous Peoples Day resolution was in collaboration with Indigenous peoples who reside in Grand Forks. The purpose of Indigenous Peoples Day is to celebrate and promote understanding, recognition, and respect for the contributions Indigenous People have made in building the Greater Grand Forks Area. At least 123 cities and municipalities, three counties, two school districts, nine colleges and universities, and seven states have also chosen to proclaim the second Monday of every October as Indigenous Peoples Day.

The event will showcase local Indigenous scholars from the University of North Dakota, Blessing by JT Shining One Side (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians), Indigenous food by Chef Travis Henry (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians), Red Eagle Drum (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate), and music by artist Thomas X (Red Lake Nation).