Religion
Photo of University Hall
Religion
November 18, 2022

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day

Montclair unveils Land Acknowledgement and new academic programming, welcomes tribes as part of on-campus event

Posted in: Native American and Indigenous Studies, News

Red Blanket Singers
Members of the Red Blanket Singers of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape tribe perform a traditional dance at Montclair’s 2022 celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day. (Photo by Mike Peters)

Montclair State University celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day on October 10 with a special on-campus event that not only highlighted thriving Indigenous cultures, but also showcased the institution’s commitment to creating hands-on learning opportunities that make a difference in the world.

Montclair welcomed the Red Blanket Singers of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe of New Jersey for a special performance as part of the early evening event, which also served as the formal unveiling of the University’s new Native American and Indigenous Studies minor and Montclair’s formal Land Acknowledgement.

woman in blue shirt in front of crowd of onlookers
Student at microphone reading Land Acknowledgement with other students standing to her right

Students from Montclair’s new course “Introduction to Native American and Indigenous Studies” read the Land Acknowledgement to begin the event, which also featured remarks from President Jonathan Koppell and recent alumna and Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape member Brianna Dagostino ’21.
Brianna Dagostino ’21 speaking at podium for Indigenous Peoples Day.
Brianna Dagostino ’21 (Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape) offers reflections on the significance of Indigenous Peoples Day.
Professor Christopher Matthews speaking at the podium
Department of Anthropology Chairperson and Native American and Indigenous Studies Co-Director Christopher Matthews welcomes the attendees.
Red Blanket Singers in a circle with crowd watching in background
Urie Ridgeway, emcee for the Red Blanket Singers.
Urie Ridgeway, emcee for the Red Blanket Singers.
Montclair President Jonathan Koppell
Montclair President Jonathan Koppell addresses the audience.
Red Blanket Singers member participating in tribal dance
Members of the Red Blanket Singers participate in traditional tribal dances.
Red Blanket Singers member participating in tribal dance
Red Blanket Singers member watching the ceremonies

To see more photos, go to the gallery. Photos by University Photographer Mike Peters.