How to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2021 in Dallas
The North Central Texas region has historically been a stopover for numerous Indian tribes, including the Caddo, Cherokee, Comanche, Kiowa, and Wichita. They were known to set up camp en route to other regions, so there are many tribal nations nearby in Oklahoma and elsewhere in Texas – including the Tigua tribe in El Paso, the Lipan Apache tribe in McAllen, the Kikapoo Tribe in Maverick County and the Alabama Coushatta Tribe north of Houston – there are currently no active tribes in the immediate area. But that hasn’t stopped the city of Dallas from officially recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday in October 2019 to honor and celebrate the area’s indigenous people, history and heritage. And not only that, the event also kicks off Indigenous People’s Week in Fort Worth.
The rest of the state soon followed. On June 18, 2021, a law introduced by Representative Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi and Representative Leo Pacheco of San Antonio was also signed by Governor Greg Abbott to commemorate Indigenous Peoples Week. As we approach this upcoming tribute to First Nations, Indians, and indigenous peoples in North Texas and beyond, we’ve compiled a list of ways you can get involved through arts, education, cultural institutions, and support both philanthropic and commercial.
National Resource Center for Indigenous Women
Donate to an organization that benefits indigenous communities
Several nonprofit organizations in the United States provide Native American services and assistance, and while they are not on-site per se, contributing to a greater cause benefits all. Some of the organizations doing an incredible job on these fronts include the Native American Rights Fund, which works for people on a legal basis; the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, which works to end violence against Native American, Alaskan, and Hawaiian women; The American Indian College Fund, which sponsors Native American students and tribal colleges and universities; and the Native American Heritage Association, which combats hunger and food insecurity in indigenous communities.
Thriller TV
Texas State Capitol Building | Brandon Seidel / Shutterstock
This Saturday, October 9th, the state of Texas will celebrate the first ever Official Indigenous Peoples Day at the State Capitol building on the south stairs. A drum group from the Lipan Apache Tribe will perform as well as Kevin Locke, a celebrated hoop dancer. Additional actors and speakers from the Texas Indian communities will also attend.
Choctaw Cultural Center
Oklahoma’s Choctaw Nation is home to far more than the Choctaw casinos, which regularly draw northern Texas players across the border. The Choctaw Cultural Center premiered this summer with several fascinating exhibits. The Living Village in particular offers a comprehensive experience that includes Choctaw apartments, examples of hill building, dance performances, and the occasional stick ball games on self-guided daily tours.
Adopt-a-native-elder
Thousands of Native American seniors live in poverty across the country. One way to improve their lives a bit is through this organization, which provides vouchers for groceries and / or firewood – essential components to help you get through the winter months. For just $ 25 you can make a difference, while $ 250 a year gives an elder twice a year grocery deliveries. Bundles of yarn can also be given away for $ 50 each so people can weave carpets to sell for extra income. (Consider buying handicrafts direct from an elder while you’re at it.)
Sid Richardson Museum
Travel to Fort Worth to explore the grounds of more than a dozen important Comanche and Native American sites, several of which are in Sundance Square as well as the historic Fort Worth Stockyards District. Stroll around the area and read about major events in history on the Heritage Trail Markers, and immerse yourself in artwork depicted and painted by Native Americans at the Sid Richardson Museum. The Stockyards Museum features several Comanche artifacts, and you can also spend some time with nature on the banks of the Trinity River in Quanah Parker Park, named after a Comanche war leader who was important to the area.
TCU – Texas Christian University
Put on your thinking hats and attend this free lecture on Monday 1st Cherokee). The official theme is “An Open Discussion on Indian Boarding Schools, Christianity and Their Legacies,” but expect the discussion to cover much more.
Crazy Crow Trading Post
The Crazy Crow Trading Post in Pottsboro sells Native American crafts, clothing and equipment in Pottsboro. Owned by Comanche tribe Ginger Reddick and her husband Rex, the shop has been a staple of the community since 1970. Stop by to stock up on German Plains-style silver jewelry, pieces of turquoise and silver, bead and ribbon work, and other handicrafts and see what they are up to with their active calendar of events.
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Steven Lindsey is a thrillist writer.
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