Oct 5, 2017 - Olympia’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates Native Women and Culture

Olympia, WA., October 4, 2017: Olympia’s third annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day kicks off on October 9th with drums, dancing, speakers and food. This free, family-friendly event runs from 10AM-6PM at the State Capitol and in downtown Olympia’s Heritage Park.

“Honoring Our Women” is 2017’s theme. The celebration begins at 10AM with a stellar line-up of 20+ indigenous women leaders, activists, and artists. From slam poetry to Calina Lawrence’s stunning vocals to fighting for the environment, these powerhouse women do it all. Our featured speaker is Pearl Means, Ashiihi (Salt) Clan of the Navajo Nation, widow of Russell Means. For a complete list of speakers and bios visit http://bit.ly/2xhSr0Y.

Don’t miss the Grand Entry dancers, in the regalia of their tribes, as they process from the Capitol to Heritage Park at 2PM to begin the second half of the day’s festivities.

From 3-6PM at Heritage Park, attendees can enjoy free entertainment while perusing native artists’ work, sampling delicious food from indigenous vendors, and exploring the history and future of native nations and peoples.

Olympia was on the vanguard of the national movement to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. In 2015, by vote of our city council, we joined a handful of cities from Seattle to Minneapolis in officially adopting Indigenous Peoples’ Day in lieu of Columbus’ Day. Since then, thirty-five other cities and states have joined us in rededicating this date to a celebration of indigenous history, arts, cultural achievements, and current events.

About IP Day Organizing Committee: Indigenous Peoples’ Day is completely organized by local volunteers and funded by community donations. This year, a team of volunteers who call themselves the Matriarchal Indigenous Sisters & Two-Spirit Society (MISTS) organized the event.

For more information go here

Contact:
Earth-Feather Sovereign,
M.I.S.T.S. Chairwoman/Matriarch
earthfeathersovereign@gmail.com

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