October 9 Indigenous Peoples Day Event Offers Communal Learning Opportunities

The 5th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day celebration and teach-in will be held on Monday, October 9. This year’s theme is Culture, Community & Connection: Indigenous Health and Wellbeing. The IPD planning committee is approaching the theme in four main areas or “tracks”: physical/mental health and wellbeing, environmental health and wellbeing, Indigenous cultural health and wellbeing, and campus health and wellbeing. Each track offers four sessions featuring presenters, workshops, and/or hands on activities, plus opportunities to engage in discussion and communal learning. Attendees are welcome to attend any session in any track.

• The Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing Track will provide content aimed toward learning more about taking care of our bodies, minds, and spirits, as well as taking care of others. 
• The Environmental Health and Wellbeing Track is directed toward understanding the importance of taking care of our relationships with land, water, and plant and animal relatives for the health of us all.
• The Indigenous Cultural Health and Wellbeing Track aims to encourage us to recognize the direct relation between Indigenous cultures that have been a vital, contributing presence since time immemorial and the health of Indigenous peoples, our lands, plants, and animal life.  
• The Campus Health and Wellbeing Track is focused on keeping our ISU campus climate healthy. Increasing inclusivity and awareness of Indigenous peoples, and centering their voices and perspectives in leading, teaching, campus services, and research activities across campus enriches our campus climate for everyone. 

We look forward to sharing this important day of learning and community with all of our students, faculty, staff, and community members. In the meantime, if you have questions, contact Ann Thomson, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, at (208) 282-3142 or annthomson@isu.edu.