Damon Clark, a member of Native Americans at Harvard College, welcomes attendees to an Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration at Harvard University on Monday evening. More than 100 people gathered in Harvard Yard for conversation and cultural performances. Photo by Alexandra Wimley/BU News Service
Clark greets William Ridgley (right), a representative from Local 26, the union representing food service workers at Harvard University. The strikers paused their nearby demonstration to show support for the Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration. Photo by Alexandra Wimley/BU News Service
Noah Caminsky, a freshman at Harvard and member of Native Americans at Harvard College, secured signs in Harvard Yard during the event. Photo by Alexandra Wimley/BU News Service
Pua Higginson (right) and Caroline Daley perform a Polynesian dance. Photo by Alexandra Wimley/BU News Service
Harvard alumn Dan Fayen (right) signs the “Support of Harvard University to Recognize ‘Indigenous Peoples’ Day'” petition online with the help of FIERCE member Jordan Johnson (left). Harvard University recognizes Columbus Day as an official holiday, though Cambridge changed the holiday to “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” this year. Photo by Alexandra Wimley/BU News Service
Gerri Barney performs at the Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration at Harvard University. Photo by Alexandra Wimley/BU News Service
Julie Bowden (left) tells Josie Grudzinski, 4, what each sign in Harvard Yard says. Signage included phrases such as “Abolish Columbus Day” and “We Won’t Support Genocide”. Photo by Alexandra Wimley/BU News Service
Tosa Two Heart performs a Native American dance at the Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration at Harvard University. Photo by Alexandra Wimley/BU News Service
Clark performs a song on the flute. Photo by Alexandra Wimley/BU News Service
Danielle Lucero, a member of Future Indigenous Educators Resisting Colonial Education (FIERCE) at Harvard University, participates in a dance to close out the celebration. Attendees held hands in a circle and danced for the duration of a song. Photo by Alexandra Wimley/BU News Service
About 100 people participated in the circle dance. After the celebration, traditional Native American foods like fry bread was served in Harvard’s Ticknor Lounge. “The culture is important,” said Caminsky. “We have an identity. We’re not forgotten. We’re still here.” Photo by Alexandra Wimley/BU News Service
