To the UConn Community:

 

Monday, October 8, is designated as Columbus Day, a federal holiday established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937. This holiday also provides us the opportunity to acknowledge the important legacy of indigenous identity, history and culture in Connecticut, across the nation and the Americas, and across the globe. As a land grant university and Connecticut’s flagship public institution, we recognize that we share this land and our history with those who have come before us and continue to reside, work, and live in our state.

 

The very name of the state of Connecticut derives from the Mohegan word Quinnitukqut, meaning “long, tidal river”. Connecticut is home to numerous indigenous communities, including but not limited to the Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, Eastern Pequot, Schaghticoke, Golden Hill Paugussett and Nipmuc Peoples. In recognizing their continued existence and claim to this land, we seek to strengthen our relationship with these neighbors and join with towns, cities, and universities across the United States in acknowledging their contributions, past and present, to the health and vitality of our shared communities.

 

Many US cities and universities have adopted a recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day on the holiday traditionally being recognized as Columbus Day, in order to bring light to this important history.

 

Acknowledging the history of indigenous people is one-step on a journey towards ensuring a community of inclusive excellence here at the University of Connecticut. We encourage you to use this week as an opportunity for educational enhancement and a celebration of the cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples, on this campus and beyond.

 

To that end, please join us at any of the following events hosted by the Native American Cultural Programs office as UConn recognizes Indigenous People’s Week.

 

Indigenous Peoples Week Kickoff:

 

Film Screening & Discussion Sacred Water: Standing Rock

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

5:30-7:00pm

Global House Lounge, 2nd Floor McMahon

 

Indigenous Peoples Week of Events:

 

Land Acknowledgement & Akomawt

Recognizing the land that we are occupying and an interactive activity

reflecting the history of the Indigenous community here in New England

Monday, October 8, 2018

11:00-1:00pm

Plaza, Thomas J. Dodd Research Center

 

The Human Rights Institute and UConn Global: Andre’ Keet

“Critique and its Double: Double Critique”

Decolonization and the Renewal of Human Rights Education

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

4:00-5:30pm

Konover Auditorium, Thomas J. Dodd Research Center

 

“A Belated Justice” Campus Dialogue

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

6:30-8:00pm

Rainbow Center, Student Union 403

 

Film Screening and Discussion: Dawnland 

Thursday, October 11, 2018

5:00-7:00pm

Konover Auditorium, Thomas J. Dodd Research Center

 

Petition Table

Changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day

Friday, October 12, 2018

9:00-5:00pm (all week)

Student Union 1st floor

 

Sincerely,

 

Craig H. Kennedy, Ph.D.

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

 

 

Dana A. Wilder

Interim Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer