ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico (UNM) is set to commemorate Indigenous Peoples' Day with a series of events on campus. The celebration, scheduled for Monday, October 4, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Student Union Building Atrium.

Activities planned for the day include group tabling and presentations by faculty, students, and guest speakers. Among those speaking is Deanna Allison, known for her role in the television series "Dark Winds." Wendy Greyeyes, an associate professor and faculty advisor for Kiva Club, remarked on Allison's significance: "Deanna Allison is an actor who comes from our community and represents the barriers that Native American women can overcome."

Allison's presentation is scheduled for noon within the SUB Atrium as part of the day's program.

The event is organized by the UNM Student Organization, Kiva Club, with co-sponsorship from Native American Studies and Film & Digital Arts. Greyeyes emphasized the importance of this day: "Indigenous People’s Day celebrates the resilience and survival of Native Americans who have endured genocide and colonization for over 500 years," adding that "Kiva Club is taking the power back to honor and recognize our resilience."

Kiva Club has been organizing such events since its inception in 1952. It holds the distinction of being both the largest and oldest Native American student organization at UNM.