Presented by the Indian Tribal & Educational Personnel Program (ITEPP) in collaboration with campus and community partners, this year’s programming includes conversations about weaving, cultural fire, and Indigenous knowledge, an Indigenous Foods Festival, film screenings, and more. Events are free and open to the public.
1992 marked the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s 1492 arrival in the Americas. For many, this was a reminder of the devastation endured by Indigenous peoples of the Americas during Columbus’s arrival.
This anniversary sparked mass protests of Columbus Day celebrations throughout the United States. Students at Cal Poly Humboldt joined in protest, and in 1996, students officially declared Indigenous Peoples Day as a replacement for Columbus Day.
IPW creates space to confront colonization, while uplifting Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. The week also recognizes Indigenous leadership in education, environmental stewardship, cultural revitalization, food sovereignty, and social justice. This work carries particular importance at Cal Poly Humboldt, which is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people, and features the first Native American Studies baccalaureate degree program in the CSU system. It is also home to the Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab & Traditional Ecological Knowledges Institute, as well as ITEPP, which was established in 1969 through community advocacy.
“With the help of a very supportive campus, Tribal staff, faculty, and students put together a detailed, busy week of events that began Indigenous Peoples Week. Many of those students, now alumni, are working for Tribal communities in very prominent and important positions to support Indian Country, says Vincent Feliz (Chumash), Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work.
“For Indigenous students here on campus, Indigenous Peoples Week offers a vital expression of belonging,” says Sasheen Raymond (Hupa & Yurok), director of ITEPP. “This belonging extends to the campus and our community with opportunities to learn from Indigenous artists, culture bearers, students, and leaders.”
ITEPP provides culturally responsive academic advising, educational planning, co-curricular programming, and support to Native students grounded in Indigenous approaches to learning and community accountability. Its work recognizes that student success is connected to culture, family, community, and a sense of belonging. ITEPP coordinates Indigenous Peoples Week collaboratively with the Council of Native American Faculty and Staff (CAIFS) to honor the rich culture, knowledge, and strength of Native peoples.
Indigenous Peoples Week Schedule
Thursday, Oct. 8
Directors Talk: “Wusatoumuduk: We Make It Burn”
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Native American Forum (BSS 162)
Sunday, Oct. 11
Indigenous Foods Festival
11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wiyot Plaza
Monday, Oct. 12
Indigenous Peoples Week Kickoff
Noon–1 p.m.
University Quad
Wisdom Share: Reflections on 30 years of Tribal on-campus with Vincent Feliz
2:30 - 3:45 pm
Nelson Hall East (NHE) 106
Weaving Good Relations: Traditions Supersede Western Science
4–6 p.m.
Native Forum (BSS 162)
Tuesday, Oct. 13
Indian Natural Resources, Science & Engineering Program (INRSEP) Workshop
4:30–6 p.m.
INRSEP Feuerwerker House
Wednesday, Oct. 14
Conversations on Altruism with Marylyn Paik-Nicely
4–6 p.m.
Native Forum (BSS 162)
Thursday, Oct. 15
Opening Reception: “Root, Thread, Stitch | Fashion & Adornment”
4:30–6 p.m.
Goudi’ni Native American Arts Gallery (BSS 104)
Hispanic Heritage Talk
6-7 p.m.
Native Forum (BSS 162)
Friday, Oct 16
Diverse Male Scholars Initiative and ITEPP Film Screening
4–6 p.m.
Native Forum (BSS 162)
For updates and additional event information, visit the ITEPP website.