Dallas resident Natalie Quiroz drums at Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14, 2024, on the Central Library mall.
The UTA Native American Student Association will dedicate this year’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor the life and legacy of Les Riding-In, Native American Student Association primary adviser, whose leadership and teachings were instrumental in bringing the holiday’s recognition to campus.
From noon to 2:30 p.m. Monday, students and communities around campus are invited to the Central Library’s sixth floor Parlor, followed by a gathering in the Land Acknowledgement Courtyard.
Stephen Silva-Brave, president of the Native American Student Association, said that they reenvisioned this day to honor, remember and continue Riding-In’s contributions to the UTA community.
The program will feature blessings, an honoring song and reflections from colleagues, students and community members who worked with Riding-In on initiatives such as the annual Benefit Powwow, the university’s land acknowledgement and the Land Acknowledgement Courtyard. A light lunch will be provided by the Department of History and Geology.
The memorial will also recognize the continuing presence and resilience of Native peoples.
“It’s about recognition — about the fact that this was all Indigenous peoples’ land, and that we are still here,” said Silva-Brave. “It’s about reminding people of the true story of who were the first people here.”
Visitor parking is available in the Maverick Parking Garage. Attendees can get a free event permit by visiting the MavPark website, selecting “purchase event permit,” choosing “student organization event,” choosing the Indigenous Peoples’ Day event and entering the voucher code IPD2025. The event is open to all members of the campus and local community.
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