Dallas resident Gabriel Quiroz, 20, shows economics sophomore Janice Akhigbe items from the table during Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14 on the Central Library mall. A variety of Indigenous instruments were displayed at the event.
The Library mall became a showcase of Native American-focused culture Monday during the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair — colorful attire, varying dishes and beating drums transforming the walkways.
Dallas resident Malinda Cortez, 59, fries bread during Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14 on the Central Library mall. Frybread is a traditional Indigenous dish.
Over a dozen local and regional organizations offered information about their work and ways for people to get involved.
In 2021, President Joe Biden became the first U.S. president to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, shifting focus away from Columbus Day, according to NPR.
The Ollin Cuauhtli Mexica Danza group displayed Indigenous garments at Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14 on the Central Library mall. They hold dance practices 10 a.m. every Sunday.
Carletta Granado, vice president of the Native American Student Association and member of the Navajo/Diné tribe, said the fair highlights a variety of Indigenous backgrounds, heritage and inclusivity. It gives students a chance to connect with their cultures or learn about new ones.
She said, regardless of students’ exact ancestry, if someone identifies as Native they should find that side of themselves.
Dallas resident Natalie Quiroz drums at Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14 on the Central Library mall. Quiroz is part of the Ollin Cuauhtli Mexica Danza group.
“There’s really not that many big reservations around Texas, but coming from a rural area and then coming to a city life, you do feel lonely,” Granado said. “All your family, your relatives are back home, and this is a chance for people to make new friends, build another family.”
Workers knead dough during Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14 on the Central Library mall. Various workers knead frybread dough for events such as powwows.
Stephen Silva-Brave, president of the Native American Student Association and a member of the Sicangu Lakota tribe, said the association is about building community.
“All of these organizations here serve the Indigenous population of Dallas, and I think it’s important for them to know us because we’re future leaders,” Silva-Brave said.
Dallas resident Gabriel Quiroz performs a spiritual cleansing at Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14 on the Central Library mall. The event lasted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Having an event centered around resources for Indigenous people, like Texas Native Health, allows the community to build relationships and feel seen, Silva-Brave said.
Crisis response specialist Ruth Thunderhawk talks to event attendees at Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14 on the Central Library mall. Thunderhawk works with Texas Native Health to provide trauma-informed mental health care.
“Being a campus organization, a lot of times it feels good to feel seen, to feel recognized and, like, you found your people,” Silva-Brave said.
He said he’s loved seeing the narrative change these past few years, with school districts in Grand Prairie and Fort Worth putting more focus on Indigenous Peoples’ Day than they ever have before.
An attendee pours honey on a frybread during Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14 on the Central Library mall. Students were given a variety of toppings such as powdered sugar and honey, as well as taco meat, lettuce and salsa.
“A lot of people only think of us as being in the past,” Silva-Brave said. “I think having this event here is showing you that we’re here now and we’re contributing.”
@PMalkomes