2024 Indigenous People’s Day Events in Michigan
This year, honor Indigenous People’s Day by attending one of these five events across Michigan.
Boozhoo, Michiganders! That’s the Ojibwe word for “hello.” If you didn’t already know, Ojibwe is one of the Indigenous American languages spoken within the 12 federally recognized tribes in the Wolverine State. In fact, the name “Michigan” originates from an Ojibwe word for “large lake” — appropriate for a state that shares its name with one of the Great Lakes!
In 2024, Indigenous People’s Day, traditionally celebrated on the second Monday in October and currently recognized by the Michigan state government as a holiday, falls on October 14.
Wherever you are in Michigan, local Indigenous groups, academic institutions, and activist organizations will be holding events to honor Indigenous American culture and history. Here’s a look at some of the events across the Mitten this year:
1. Indigenous People’s Day Farm Dinner With KGD – 3100 Orleans Street, Detroit
Have you ever tried Indigenous cuisine? Well, whether you’re already a fan or simply curious, Keep Growing Detroit (KGD) is hosting an opportunity this Indigenous People’s Day at one of their farm dinners! On October 14, guests will be welcomed at their farm for a seasonally-inspired, family-style meal prepared by guest chef Kirsten Kirby (Alley Snake), a chef, urban farmer, and member of the Tlingit Nation who also works as an educator at the Detroit Food Academy. Tickets to the farm dinner are offered for members of the Garden Park Resource Program in the Detroit area on a pay-what-you-can basis starting at $25, but space is limited, so be sure to book in advance!
2. Free Day at the Dennos Museum Center – 1410 College Drive, Traverse City
Head up north to Traverse City for some fun and educational experiences this Indigenous People’s Day — for free! The Dennos Museum Center at Northern Michigan College is hosting a free admission day on October 14 to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day, where you can explore their collection of Indigenous North American art, including their famous permanent collection of Canadian Inuit pieces, and take part in special events on the day, including hands-on family-friendly activities in their children’s Discovery Gallery.
3. Macomb Community College’s Twelve Moments of Silence
Indigenous People’s Day is not only a time for celebration; it’s also a time for solemn reflection on Indigenous history in the United States and how we can do better going forward. At Macomb Community College, the school will be marking Indigenous People’s Day with twelve five-minute periods throughout the day and on different parts of campus to silently honor the 12 federally recognized tribes in the State of Michigan. Students, faculty, and members of the general public are welcome at any and all of the twelve blocked events.
4. Talking Indigenous Issues With Heather Bruegl at Serendipity Books – 108 East Middle Street, Chelsea
Technically, this event doesn’t fall on Indigenous People’s Day itself, but ten days later, on October 24, Chelsea’s independent Serendipity Books is hosting their event, featuring scholar and activist Heather Bruegl. Join Bruegl, a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, to discuss issues facing the Indigenous American community today, including women’s issues such as the #MMIW epidemic, water rights, environmental justice, and more. The event is free and open to all, but please register in advance.
5. Indigenous People’s Day Conference at Mid Michigan College
If you want to learn from the experts this Indigenous People’s Day, Mid Michigan College has you covered. On October 9, they’ll be hosting a conference on campus in partnership with Central Michigan University, with an opening event featuring representatives from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council and Lt. Governor Gilchrest. Speakers include Michigan indigenous activists, artists, and professionals from all walks of life. You won’t want to miss the performances by the Onion Creek drum circle and the inter-tribal round dances.
Bonus: Head to a museum to learn about Indigenous history & culture
If you can’t attend one of the above events or want to learn more about Indigenous history in the Mitten, visit one of the many Native American history centers and museums scattered across the state. Here are a few worth checking out:
- Museum of Ojibwa Culture – St. Ignace
- Drummond Island Historical Museum – Drummond Island
- Mackinac Island Native American Museum – Mackinac Island
- Ojibwe Learning Center and Library – Sault Ste Marie
- Potawatomi Heritage Center – Wilson
- Inuit art at the Dennos Museum Center – Traverse City
- Andrew Blackbird Museum – Harbor Springs
- Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways – Mount Pleasant
- Anishinabek: The People of This Place exhibit at Grand Rapids Public Museum – Grand Rapids
- Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center – Okemos
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