by Greg Lincoln
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October. This year the holiday fell on October 9th, 2023, which was formerly known as Columbus Day. A community celebration was held in Bethel to honor and recognize all indigenous people, the original inhabitants of our native lands.
On June 24, 2017 in Utqiagvik, AK, Governor Bill Walker signed HB 78 that established the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Yup’ik, Cup’ik, and Athabascan peoples have lived in the Yukon Kuskowim delta region since time immemorial. Archaeological records document that our people have been here since memory began. It takes resiliency to be able to live in our harsh cold climate, we are deeply connected to our beloved homeland.
One of our most beloved foods – akutaq – was made and served at the Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration, hosted by the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center, the Kuskowkim Consortium Library and partners ONC, AVCP, KYUK, Teens Acting Against Violence, Mother Kuskokwim Tribal Coalition, the Ayaprun Immersion School dancers, and the Qasgirmiut Yup’ik Dancers.
Kids were enjoying the akutaq by the cup and also trying their hand at making it at the cultural center. They also had fun beading and decorating masks, and there was a water activity station to make foil boats.
Special guest Molly of Denali of PBS Kids came to the event. She posed for photos with everyone and joined in on the Indigenous Peoples’ March along the highway. Producers for the show were also in attendance.
Arianna Samson, a student at Bethel Regional High School and a member of Teens Acting Against Violence gave a speech commemorating Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the cultural center before the march.
“Today was once known as a day celebrated as Columbus Day … he did not discover the Americas, there was many indigenous peoples here for years long before his arrival,” said Samson during her speech. “Many horrible things have occurred after Columbus has stepped onto our lands… But today is now known as Indigenous Peoples’ Day – a day to remember those who we have lost in the past and even now. Those who we have lost in boarding schools through mistreatment of our people and those who have gone missing. Today is also a day to celebrate the resilience of our people along with our heritage. We should be proud of who we are, grateful for the beauty that is so embedded into our culture and our lands. Today is a day to honor our people, a day of recognition, and to be proud.”
Samson’s speech was ended with a moment of silence to honor the memory of all Indigenous People. Quyana.
The day ended with Eskimo dance performances by the Ayaprun Elitnaurvik Yurartet and the Qasgirmiut Dancers, both of Bethel.
