Oregon officially recognized Indigenous Peoples Day in 2021, joining a growing number of states honoring the history, culture and ongoing contributions of Native communities. The holiday acknowledges the vital role of Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes and the lasting influence of Indigenous peoples across the region.
This year, Indigenous Peoples Day falls on Monday, Oct. 13, with events and celebrations taking place throughout the weekend. From marketplaces and storytelling to art exhibitions and community paddles, here’s how you can honor Indigenous heritage and culture across Oregon.
Portland
Weekend Marketplace and Electric Ride & Drive: Indigenous Marketplace Community will host a two-day celebration featuring Native artisans, performances and cultural connection. Native American Drum Group Turquoise Pride performs both days from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Native flute artist Sherrie Davis performs 2-4 p.m. Sunday.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11-12; Oregon Convention Center, 777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland; free; indigenousmarketplace.org
Indigenous Peoples Day Paddle: Honor the connection between water, land and community with the Portland Indigenous & Paddling Community. Includes an opening invocation, short paddle and refreshments. Bring your own watercraft, personal flotation device and snacks.
10 a.m.-noon Sunday, Oct. 12; Broughton Beach Park, 4141 N.E. Marine Drive, Portland; free.
Dinner at The Checkered Flag II: Chef Ramon Shiloh presents a four-course dinner of foraged and Native American ingredients, including dishes inspired by resilience and cultural renewal. Tickets can only be purchased at the Checkered Flag Tavern to reserve a spot.
Evening, Sunday, Oct. 12; The Checkered Flag II, 7483 S.E. 82nd Ave, Portland: tickets are $75; facebook.com/checkeredflag.pdx
Barbie’s Village: Hosted by the Future Generations Collaborative, this evening celebration honors Indigenous culture, kinship and storytelling through food, dance and community connection. The event will include a salmon dinner, a Children’s Pow Wow, local vendors, a photo booth, community resources and live entertainment featuring scenes from “Finding Bigfoot.”
4-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13; Barbie’s Village, 935 N.E. 33rd Ave., Portland; free; instagram.com/p/DPXN3sCgUlZ/
Oregon Origins Project VII: wéetes waχ tim’íne (Earth + Heart): The first presentation by Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) artists and culture bearers in Portland in more than 80 years, exploring connections to land through stories, songs, language and art. Advance tickets are sold out, but there may be seats available at the door.
6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18; Reed College Performing Arts Building, Room 320, 3017 S.E. Woodstock Blvd., Portland; oregonorigins.org
Metro Area
Clackamas Community College: Clackamas Community College will host its annual Indigenous Peoples Day celebration honoring Native communities of the region. The event will feature storytelling, music, food and locally made artisan products, offering opportunities to learn about and connect with Indigenous cultures in Oregon.
1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12; Niemeyer Center, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City; free; clackamas.edu/about-us/vision-initiatives/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/indigenous-peoples-day
Willamette Valley
Oregon State University: This OSU celebration includes proclamations, keynote speakers Leonard Peltier (via Zoom) and Dino Butler and a screening of “Free Leonard Peltier.” Portions of the event will be livestreamed.
5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13; Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts, 470 S.W. 15th St., Corvallis; free; indigenous.oregonstate.edu/indigenous-peoples-week
Museum of Natural and Cultural History: The Museum of Natural and Cultural History will offer free admission and extended hours Monday in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day. Visitors can explore “Transgressors,” a new exhibit highlighting the intersection of queer and Indigenous identities, and view displays tracing 14,000 years of Native culture in Oregon.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13; Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 1680 E. 15th Ave., Eugene; free; mnch.uoregon.edu/indigenous-peoples-day
Salem Indigenous Peoples Day: Hosted by Indigenous Now, this event includes children’s activities, speakers, dancers and local vendors. The event will conclude with a community dinner.
1-6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13; State Capitol Mall Park, 900 Court St. N.E., Salem; free; facebook.com/events/1531610774868266
University of Oregon: The Native American Student Union hosts an annual celebration featuring cultural programming and community gathering. More details to be announced.
Noon Monday, Oct. 13; EMU Amphitheater, University of Oregon, 1395 University St., Eugene; free; socialsciences.uoregon.edu/native-studies/events
Central Oregon
Oregon State University-Cascades: OSU-Cascades and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will host an afternoon of Native art, dance and cultural exchange featuring demonstrations by the Tananáwit Artists Community, traditional regalia showcases and a round dance led by the Grammy-nominated Black Lodge Singers. Native food from the Warm Springs–based Twisted Teepee food truck will be available for purchase throughout the event.
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