Monday, October 14 marked Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and Stockton had a day full of activities to celebrate its importance.

To start off the day’s program, the Office of Student Development hosted a Welcome, Reading, and Recognition of Place at the Lower Level of the Art Gallery. President Joe Bertolino gave the Welcome Remarks followed by a Reading and Recognition of Place by Tyrese “Bright Flower” Gould Jacinto. “Take some time to understand where we are and where the university sits,” said Jacinto, “go outside and experience nature […] and property on which we sit.” She shared her poem ‘Revelation Creation,’ in which she shared the story of how it came to her in just one night. Later on in the Multicultural Center Courtyard, the Lenapehoking Indigenous Youth Group had an outdoor dance performance.

The School of Arts and Humanities sponsored a documentary and panel talk on the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation in the Campus Center Theatre. The panel was moderated by Jeremy Newman, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and featured speakers: Ashton Pemapanik Dunkley, Tyrese “Bright Flower” Gould Jacinto and Ty “Dancing Wolf” Ellis.

The day’s events concluded back at the Lower Level Art Gallery with a Conversation on Indigenous Life & Culture. This event was moderated by Dr. Raz Segal, Associate Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and featured speakers: Adam Miyashiro, Jacob Camacho, Phoebe Farris, and Denise Bright Dove Ashton-Dunkley.

Located on both levels of the Art Gallery until the closing ceremony on November 12, there is an exhibition entitled, “Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures.” This exhibit includes a plethora of mediums with pieces from contemporary Indigenous artists.

Additional programming is taking place throughout the months of October and November and can be found here.