Today we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day – a time to honor and recognize the rich cultures, contributions, and histories of Indigenous communities across the United States. This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing impact of colonization and the resilience of Indigenous peoples. Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October each year. 

Historically, Indigenous communities have faced erasure and marginalization, often misrepresented through harmful stereotypes and caricatures. They continue to confront systemic violence and disenfranchisement. Acknowledging their struggles and achievements requires more than a designated day or a land acknowledgment. It is essential to elevate Indigenous voices, support their communities, and engage in practices that promote awareness of their joys and challenges. We must actively challenge injustices against Indigenous peoples.

About Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Despite the observance of Indigenous Peoples Day, many still refer to this day as "Columbus Day," celebrating Christopher Columbus and his so-called "discovery" of the New World. However, history reveals that Columbus was not the first to discover the Americas, and honoring "Columbus Day" overlooks the brutal treatment and genocide of Indigenous peoples. His voyages led to the near extinction of the Taino people and marked the beginning of widespread colonization in the Caribbean.

In 2021, President Biden issued the first presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples Day, which you can view [here]. South Dakota was the first state to celebrate "Native American Day" in 1990 as a counter to "Columbus Day." Berkeley, California, was the first city to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 1992, protesting the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival.

Land acknowledgments are just the first step in recognizing Indigenous peoples and their histories. By acknowledging the land our university occupies, we pay tribute to those who originally cared for it, confront the injustices faced by displaced and marginalized Indigenous communities, and commit to addressing these issues. This acknowledgment merely serves as a foundation for centering and taking action to support Indigenous communities. We encourage everyone to honor the Indigenous peoples who came before us, those who are present today, and future generations, celebrating their rich legacies. We extend our heartfelt appreciation and love to all Indigenous faculty, staff, and students at UMBC.

Interested in literary works by Indigenous authors? Check out this book list.

Click here to read the 2024 Presidential Proclamation for Indigenous Peoples Day. 

Are you a South Asian student looking for a place to connect, share stories, and build new friendships? Look no further! Join Meghna and your fellow students at Chai Chats, a welcoming space where you can enjoy a free cup of chai while engaging in meaningful conversations.

Whether you’re sharing your own experiences or listening to others, this is a fantastic opportunity to build a community, celebrate your culture, and make new connections. Don't miss out on this chance to unwind, meet new people, and create memorable moments together.

[New Dates & Location]

Find us in Commons 331:

- Monday, October 28: 12:30 - 1:30pm

- Friday, November 15: 1 - 2pm

- Monday, December 2: 12:30 - 1:30pm

We are thrilled to invite you to an unforgettable Bachata and Salsa night as we celebrate Hispanic/Latinx Appreciation Month! Save the date and bring your dance moves! The event will be hosted on Friday, September 27, 2024 from 6 PM - 8 PM at the RAC Arena. This event is open to the entire UMBC campus community, offering an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant culture of the Hispanic and Latinx communities.

Join us for an evening filled with lively music, dynamic dance performances, and the chance to learn some new moves from a professional dance instructor. Whether you're an experienced dancer or a beginner, this is your chance to have fun and connect with others through the joy of dance.

In addition to dancing, we’ll have cultural appreciation tables showcasing the diversity and history of Hispanic and Latinx cultures. And of course, no celebration is complete without delicious finger food and refreshing drinks—we’ll have mini empanadas, guacamole, chips,  salsa and soft drinks for you to enjoy.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate, learn, and dance the night away with friends and fellow students. We can’t wait to see you there!

DRESS CODE: Please be advised there are Court Shoe Requirements: Athletic non-marking shoes with a full back and closed toe which means no heels, flip flops, sandals, crocs, boots, Uggs, dress shoes, or bare feet. 

Sincerely,

The 2024 Bachata & Salsa Night Organizing Committee 

The Mid Autumn Festival is a harvest festival and holiday that takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Lunar calendar. Predominately observed across Asian countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and many other ethnic Chinese communities. The Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival begins as early as September 16. The official day of celebration for 2024 is Tuesday, September 17. 

While celebrating the autumn harvest as a whole is a focus of this time of year, depending on which Asian culture and country you are focusing on, you will find different cultural traditions and beliefs such as an emphasis on the moon, gathering with family, and even honoring those who have passed. Across all of these countries, the importance of gathering with family and loved ones can be seen.

Each country has its own name or reference for the Mid Autumn Festival, here are some of them: 

• 中秋节 (Zhōngqiū Jié) & 中秋節 (Jūng-chāu Jit) (Mandarin | Cantonese) 

• Tết Trung Thu & The Children’s Festival (Vietnamese | Vietnam) 

• 추석 / 한가위 (Chuseok / Hangawi) (Korean)

• 月見 (Tsukimi) (Japanese) 

• Lantern Festival (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia) (note: Not the same as the Lantern Festival that takes place on the 15th day of the first month of the Lunar calendar) 

• Moon Festival | Mooncake Festival (Hong Kong and also other Asian countries such as Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia) 

During the Mid Autumn Festival, you will find many people eating and gifting Mooncakes, a pastry filled with different rich flavors such as red bean or lotus. You may also find crescent-shaped rice cakes called Songpyeon (Korean) filled with either red bean, chestnuts, or even toasted sesame seeds. Similar to other holidays across the world, food plays an important aspect to many during the Mid Autumn Festival. 

To learn more about The Mid Autumn Festival across a couple of different cultures, check out the links below! 

Chuseok in Korea 

Tsukimi, The Moon Festival 

Hong Kong Celebration of The Mid Autumn Festival