PoCo in BoCo: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Nikhil Mankekar and Tracey Jones, co-hosts of our monthly series looking at issues facing People of Color in Boulder County (PoCo in BoCo), speak with Kalee Salazar from the Native American Rights Fund (NARF). They discuss the events planned for Boulder’s 2nd Annual Indigenous Peoples Day (IPD), Nikhil and Kalee’s work on the resolution to establish IPD in Boulder, and the current status of the Standing Rock legal case, amongst other topics.

There are several events happening in Boulder to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day:

Monday, October 9: IPD Open House Celebration hosted by Native American Rights Fund (NARF) with the American Indian Youth Leadership Institute – 1506 Broadway, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  We invite the Boulder community to celebrate the second annual Indigenous Peoples Day with Native American cuisine, performances and Indigenous speakers. Learn about our Boulder history and current issues in Indian Country, and show solidarity in the community. Lunch is free starting at 11:30 a.m. and open to the public.

Monday, October 9: Motus Theater – Indigenous Peoples Day: History, Poetry & Presence, Boulder Public Library Canyon Theater, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 
4:30 – 5:45 p.m.: Film screening of “Rocks Karma Arrows (Act 1)” exploring how Boulder was founded.
6:00 – 6:30 p.m.: Poetry by  Tanaya Winder  (Southern Ute, Duckwater Shoshone, and Pyramid Lake Paiute Nations).
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:  Indigenous in Boulder:  Indigenous leaders speak about living in Boulder.

Monday, October 9: White Horse Creek Council Mini Pow Wow, Teach-In and Friendship Dance – Boulder Central Park Bandshell, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Lakota Elder Lee Plenty Wolf will speak about the oral history of Boulder handed down by Indigenous residents and explain the meaning of four Native American dances. These dances will be performed, and attendees will learn a circle and friendship dance.

Tuesday, October. 10, Open House with City of Boulder Staff – Boulder Municipal Building Lobby, 1777 Broadway, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. 
Meet City of Boulder staff working on the implementation of Boulder’s Indigenous Peoples Day Resolution. Staff from Facilities and Asset Management, Open Space and Mountain Parks and Human Services will be present.

Tuesday, October 10: Taking Steps Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples in Boulder, First Congregational Church, Broadway and Pine Street, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. 
What would right relationship with Native peoples look like in Boulder? What steps can we take in that direction? We’ll be challenged and inspired by the documentary film, “Two Rivers,” and come up with an action plan. Presenters: Elicia Goodsoldier (Spirit Lake Dakota, Diné) and Paula Palmer, Toward Right Relationship Project, Boulder Friends Meeting

Wednesday, October 11: Screening of “What Was Ours” Documentary, Boulder Public Library Canyon Theater, 6:00 p.m.
An Eastern Shoshone tribal elder and two young Northern Arapaho students leave Wind River Reservation for Chicago’s Field Museum in search of sacred objects taken from their tribes in this visually stunning documentary. Reserve a free seat at  museumofboulder.org.

Follow Nikhil on Twitter @NikhilMankekar

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