University of Wisconsin–Superior Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day with Ojibwe Cultural Exhibition

Layla Joki, Amari Manzanares, Vanessa Concha, Caitlyn Decora, Brody Cain, Cyllace Rainey prepare to perform a dance on Oct. 13, in the YU Atrium.

Photo by Brendyn Otradovec | The Promethean

By Jennifer Cadotte

jbunker@uwsuper.edu

Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the first inhabitants of North America and recognizes their enduring contributions to the nation’s history, culture, and identity.

Although not a federally recognized holiday, more than a dozen states and Washington, D.C., observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday in October.

On Oct. 7, 2025, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed a proclamation designating Oct. 13 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the State of Wisconsin.

To mark the occasion, the UW–Superior’s Department of Student Support and Engagement hosted the Woodlands Dance Troupe of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Band of Lake Superior for a cultural exhibition. The event featured traditional Ojibwe regalia, dance, and song, offering students and community members an opportunity to learn from and celebrate Indigenous traditions.

Woodlands Dance Troupe founder Becky Taylor, a world-renowned champion dancer, shared the cultural significance of Ojibwe regalia, dance, drums, and songs. Accompanying her was War Thunder Drum, a family drum group led by her son Thomas Cain, a national champion singer and multi-time Native American Music Award (NAMA) winner. Together, the mother and son travel widely to educate audiences about the beauty and meaning of Ojibwe song and dance.

Caitlyn Decora, Harley Mustache, Vanessa Concha, and Becky Taylor perform a dance in the YU Atrium on Oct. 13.
Photo by Brendyn Otradovec | The Promethean

Taylor explained that each element of the regalia carries deep cultural and spiritual meaning.  “The young women in the jingle dresses represent healing,” she said. “The jingle dress originated with the Ojibwe people. An old man dreamt of the dress when his granddaughter was sick. He described the dress and the songs from his dream, and his wife created it. When she danced to those songs, their granddaughter recovered. To this day, the jingle dress continues to symbolize healing of the mind, body, and spirit among the Ojibwe people.”

Taylor also described the Fancy Shawl dancers, whose graceful movements represent butterflies, and the men’s traditional regalia, which symbolize the protectors and providers within Ojibwe communities.

Zaagi Cain & Cyllace Rainey perform the potato dance together in the YU Atrium on Oct. 13, during indigenous people’s day.
Photo by Brendyn Otradovec | The Promethean

Through dance, song, and storytelling, the Woodlands Dance Troupe’s performance at UW–Superior highlighted the continuing vibrancy and resilience of Indigenous culture.

For more information on Indigenous events contact Cali Quaderer, UW-Superior Indigenous Programs Coordinator at 715-394-8501 or email cquader2@uwsuper.edu.