The Keweenaw has a very rich history involving the indigenous communities that reside within the area. In fact, the name “Keweenaw” is an Ojibway word meaning “the crossing place” or “land crossing between two bodies of water”. Indigenous Peoples’ Day took place Monday Oct. 14, so to celebrate some of this rich culture, the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Campaign is hosting multiple events throughout the week.
On Monday, Oct. 14 at noon, the Woodland Singers gathered at the Husky Statue to sing about honoring the land, place, and people. Later in the day, there was a facilitated dialogue in Fisher Hall 138 covering Indigenous American identity in contemporary media.
Some upcoming events include a short film screening on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Fisher Hall 138. Here they will be showing “Waadookodaading” and “This Is Who I Am”, featuring special guests Katy Bresette, a member of the Red Cliff Band of Ojibwe, and Kalvin Hartwig, a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa. On Wednesday, Oct. 16, there will be an Anishinaabemowin Distance Learning Session with Dr. Margaret Noodin from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Noblet 144 as well as a screening of “Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner” (2001) in Fisher Hall 138 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
With Michigan Tech’s campus resting on Indigenous grounds, it is important to be aware of the communities surrounding us. For more information, you can visit the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Campaign website at indigenouspeoplesdayblog.wordpress.com/whats-next/.
