Oregon State University is celebrating and honoring the diverse histories and contributions of Indigenous students, faculty and community during Indigenous Peoples’ Week from Oct. 12-15. Corvallis and Portland became the first two cities in Oregon to proclaim Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the state in 2015, and in 2024, OSU expanded the celebration to include a full week of events.
By recognizing the complexity of the Indigenous experience more broadly, organizers hope to tell a more accurate and complete story of Indigenous people. The events, which are open to everyone at OSU and the local community, focus on learning and positive representation. Organizers aim to correct the perpetuation of damaging myths and stereotypes by highlighting the resilience, creativity, innovation and community of Indigenous people at OSU and beyond.
“It has been truly inspiring to see Indigenous Peoples’ Day grow into Indigenous Peoples’ Week here at Oregon State University,” said Chance White Eyes, director of Tribal Relations at OSU. “This reflects the strong commitment of our students, faculty and staff to honoring, supporting, and building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities.”
The events are free and open to the public. To learn more, visit the Indigenous at OSU website.
Indigenous Peoples’ Week events
Monday, Oct. 12 | Indigenous Peoples' Day at OSU: Keynote speaker Ka'ila Farrell-Smith will give a presentation, followed by the proclamation presentation and signing. Farrell-Smith is a contemporary Klamath Modoc visual artist, writer, community organizer and activist based in Modoc Point, Oregon. 5 p.m. at kaku-ixt mana ina haws.
Tuesday, Oct. 13 | Bring Your Own Beads (BYOB): Beading and talk story with Ĺ‚atowa ina the OSU Indigenous Alumni Network. 5 p.m. at kaku-ixt mana ina haws.
Thursday, Oct. 15 | The Champinefu Series: The Sacred Commute: Off / On The Rez: A night of song-sharing and storytelling. Join host Joseph Dowd (Grand Ronde) and friends for a night of song-sharing and storytelling. Contemporary folk songs about life as a Native American on and off the reservation will be interspersed with storytelling and poetry that convey the lived experiences of contemporary Native Americans in Western Oregon, as well as those of their ancestors. 7 p.m. at PRAx
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