Communities across the country came together on Oct. 14 to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The holiday has become a time for reflection, education, and recognition of the rich cultures and histories of our Native American tribes. Students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior celebrated Indigenous People’s Day inside the Yellowjacket Union, welcoming cultural dances and practices onto campus.
UWS senior Dillion Krisik wears traditional regalia while showcasing the “Grass Dance.” The dance originated from the Great Plains and both blesses and flatten the grass for a ceremony.
Photo by Carter Lansdale | The Promethean
Traditional native food and treats were provided for attendees. Students, families, and community members showed up to support and learn more about the Indigenous community.
Multiple speakers shared openly about Native American struggles and relicensing at the event. UWS students Sami Keller and Dillion Krisik danced in traditional garments alongside the Native Expression Drum and Dance Troupe.
This year, the Drum and Dance group was a new addition; Indigenous youth performed traditional dances with music. Chills were sent down the audience’s spine at each beat of the drum as the drummers sang in Ojibwe.
UWS was founded on land originally a part of the Anishinaabe people. Faculty member Dr. Maria Cuzzo, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at UWS, recognized the importance of our campus’ ancestry. “Often institutions simply read the statement, ask for a moment of silent acknowledgment, and get on with the business at hand. That is often called tokenism,” said Cuzzo.
“In the past, invisibility was one of the real problems that characterized the relationship; no one said anything, and that was the real problem. We probably developed our land acknowledgment statement in 2018 to 2019 and use it consistently here at the university,” said Cuzzo.
UWS Student Sami Keller performing the dance called “Fancy Shawl,” with live music being played by the Native Expression Drum Troupe. The dance mimics the motions of a butterfly.
Photo by Carter Lansdale | The Promethean
Indigenous Peoples’ Day wasn’t celebrated on campus until UWS Senior Dillion Krisik brought the idea up to campus faculty. Krisik, at the time, was the president of the Native Nations Student Organization but has since passed along the responsibility to co-presidents Sami Keller and Nathan Stafford.
“I feel very fortunate to have the role that I have, even though sometimes I don’t feel like I’m the best candidate for it,” said Stafford. “The University of Wisconsin-Superior shares in our goal to promote cultural diversity, and as such we are proud to complement their initiative to show respect for diverse cultures and multiple voices through our educational opportunities.
In the interest of diversity of culture, thought, and experience, NNSO should be open to all students interested in joining and shall offer opportunities to all members to become leaders as they learn about, share, and experience areas of Indigenous ways of life,” said Stafford. He is “0% Indigenous,” but still was able to bring in a crowd as the event continues to grow more and more each year.
