Student reflections: What does Indigenous Peoples’ Day mean to me?

In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Marquette Today is spotlighting reflections written by some of our diverse Native student body. Through their distinct lens, these students offer a potent restorative history of Indigenous peoples never discovered and defiantly resilient. 

Janiah Stewart, Ho-Chunk Nation, freshman majoring in political science and criminology

Indigenous People’s Day is the day that we as Native American people have reclaimed as a day to honor our existence, resilience and sovereignty. This is a day of awareness, to let the world know that we are still here and that we will continue to rise. Collectively, we remember all the strength our ancestors had and the sacrifices they had to make to keep their people alive. We are not just remnants of the past depicted inaccurately by history books and Hollywood — we are survivors. We observe the strides we have made as a community as we continue to make our past visible and our voices heard. It means everything to me when I get the opportunity to share my experiences and knowledge and educate those who are not aware. This day is about resilience and the love of our community. We are Indigenous, we are strong, and we are irrepressible. We will continue to convey the power of our ancestors and thrive as we honor this day. 

Matejka R. Abeita, Navajo/Laguna Pueblo/Isleta Pueblo, second year student in the Master of Athletic Training program

I believe that Indigenous Peoples’ Day is honoring the strength and resilience of all Native American people. Our people endured atrocities throughout history and were put into a category labeled as “other.” It is through the power of our prayers and cultural ceremonies that we exist today. The Indigenous students throughout educational institutions across the nation are living proof of our ancestor’s perseverance and sacrifices for their future generations. WE ARE STILL HERE! 

By, Ashaila Jackson, sophomore majoring in computer science and economics and current President of the Native American Student Association

Indigenous Peoples’ Day means being able to celebrate my heritage without being mislabeled or recognizing a person who did not discover years of traditions and culture. Instead, it is recognized for me as a day to celebrate family, community and self as it brings us together with traditions and of course the foods which I hope to master cooking from my nookomis (grandma), ninoshenh (auntie) and nizhishenh (uncles). It also makes me even more grateful of my roots from Anishinaabe of Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior.