UNM celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day with events on campus

Indigenous Peoples' Day is a time to honor and celebrate the many Indigenous cultures and communities around the country, even here at The University of New Mexico.

On Monday, Oct. 4, there will be several events to celebrate the holiday on campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Student Union Building Atrium. From group tabling to faculty/student/guest speakers, including Deanna Allison, who stars in the hit TV show Dark Winds.

"Deanna Allison is an actor who comes from our community and represents the barriers that Native American women can overcome," said Wendy Greyeyes, associate professor and faculty advisor for Kiva Club.

Allison will speak at noon inside the SUB Atrium as part of a larger program for Indigenous Peoples' Day.

The events are sponsored by the UNM Student Organization, Kiva Club and co-sponsored by Native American Studies and Film & Digital Arts.

"Indigenous People's Day celebrates the resilience and survival of Native Americans who have endured genocide and colonization for over 500 years," Greyeyes said. "Kiva Club is taking the power back to honor and recognize our resilience."

Kiva Club has organized events at UNM since it was formed in 1952. It is the largest and oldest Native American student organization at UNM.