Minot State Diversity Council to host Indigenous Peoples’ Day event
MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University’s Diversity Council will sponsor an awareness walk and event for murdered and missing Indigenous women on Monday, Oct. 8, at 4 p.m. at the Beaver Dam in the Minot State Student Center.
The event, co-sponsored by Ashely Roulette and Stacey Kartes from First Nation’s Women’s Alliance, is being hosted by Whitney Molina, Minot State nursing student, women’s basketball player, and an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Rocky Boy Tribe in Montana. Gabby Wilkinson, an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes and a student-athlete on the women’s basketball team, is helping Molina with the program.
“My goal for this event is that we can take a step in the right direction in an effort to end the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women,” said Molina.
The afternoon will begin with a walk around the campus of Minot State University starting at the Beaver Dam, with t-shirts being provided to participants. Silhouettes representing murdered and missing Indigenous women will be set up by the First Nation’s Women’s Alliance, while statistics and speakers will help bring awareness to the tragic and continuing crisis occurring to Indigenous women. Dr. Monica Meyer, current council women representing the North Segment for the Tribal Business Council of the Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nation will also be in attendance. Food, beverages, and t-shirts will be provided by the MSU Diversity Council.
The event will conclude with a jingle dress dance by Tawny Trottier Cale, performed as a healing prayer. Cale is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe as well as a descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and the Spirit Lake Nation.
“The Diversity Council would like to recognize Oct. 8 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We support bringing awareness to the missing and murdered Indigenous people by hosting this event,” Annette Mennem, Native American Center director and Diversity Council co-chairperson, said. “We also welcome the opportunity to educate people within our campus and community of this issue. We invite everyone to walk and show your support — together we are louder. Let’s be heard.”
“Only when we work together on comprehensive solutions will we be able to ensure the families of those who’ve been missing or murdered receive justice and that Native women and girls will be better protected moving forward,” Molina said. “This is the way I feel like I can contribute, so I’m hoping for a great turnout and to have the chance to represent my people in the process is great.”
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated across the United States and is an official city and state holiday in many location across the country. It began as a counter-celebration held on the same day as Columbus Day, and celebrates Indigenous peoples and their shared history and culture.
In case of inclement weather, the walk will occur inside the Minot State Dome.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
| Published: 10/04/18 |
