Indigenous People’s Day – October 2025 – Emerson College: Celebrate Diversity

North America is known to many Indigenous cultures as Turtle Island.

On this Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor those whose deep connection to the land where we live, learn, and work predates many of us and has endured for generations.

In the United States we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the same date as Columbus Day. While not yet a federal holiday, it has been formally recognized by presidential proclamation and by many states as a time to celebrate the contribution of Indigenous peoples and acknowledge the enduring impact of colonization in the United States.

Many other cultures and communities hold celebrations of Indigenous people throughout the year, such as National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, Mount Hagen Cultural Show in Papua New Guinea, and Qoyllur Rit’i Pilgrimage in Peru.

Boston resides on the ancestral lands of the Wampanoag, Nipmuc, and Massachusett people. Los Angeles occupies land originally, and still, inhabited and cared for by the Tongva, Tataviam, Serrano, Kizh, and Chumash peoples.

Wherever you are today, we encourage you to take a moment to honor those who came before you and to seek out opportunities to learn more about Indigenous cultures and upcoming events in your community.

Emerson Events

Monthly Talking Circle

Drawing on indigenous practices of circle-keeping, the Center for Spiritual Life holds a monthly talking circle for all students who are interested in being in community with each other, sharing their stories, and seeing others in their full humanity.

Tuesday, October 14, 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Owens Multipurpose Room, 172 Tremont St.

Sustainability Communications to Make Meaningful Change

As part of Emerson’s 2025 Teach-In on Sustainability, Indigo Pinedo ’23 will discuss their graduate thesis, “The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, Rules the World: The Indigenous Matriarchal Approach for Food Systems Transformation in CFS Policymaking Processes.”

Thursday, October 16, 10:00-11:45 a.m.

Walker Building, Rm 529, 120 Boylston St.

Emerson’s Teach-In on Sustainability is an annual, college-wide exploration of how we can contribute to a sustainable tomorrow through communication, the arts, and the liberal arts that is open to all faculty, staff, and students. The 2025 Teach-In on Sustainability takes place October 15-17, 2025. Review the full schedule. Learn more about Sustainability at Emerson and how you can get involved.

Massachusetts Events

An Indigenous Present at Institute of Contemporary Art

An Indigenous Present is a thematic exhibition spanning 100 years of contemporary Indigenous art on display from October 9, 2025 – March 8, 2026.

Explore events throughout Massachusetts in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, including a new installation at the Dewey Square Mural titled, “Your Spirit Whispering in my Ear” designed by Jeffrey Gibson, a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and of Cherokee descent.