Observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Dear Seattle University Community,  

Seattle University is commemorating Indigenous Peoples' Day today. Observed on the second Monday of October, Indigenous Peoples' Day can be traced to the 1977 International NGO Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas. In 1991, several cities began efforts to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day. The City of Seattle officially recognized the day in 2014, and Seattle University has been commemorating it since 2016.  

This day is an opportunity to reflect upon the rich and living traditions of Indigenous peoples. It is also a moment to reckon with a shameful history of injustices perpetrated on Native peoples and, most importantly, to strengthen our resolve to address these wrongs as a university. Our geographic context and Jesuit educational mission, in fact, compel us to do so. 

As an academic community, we are committed to listening to and elevating the voices of Native peoples and tribes. We acknowledge our duty to advance the education of Native peoples. As we undertake this collective responsibility, we are especially grateful to the campus partners who lead us in this important work, including the Indigenous Peoples Institute, the Center for Indian Law and Policy in the School of Law and other groups on campus, including student-led clubs.  

Today, in a spirit of peace, justice and reconciliation, let us continue our shared work in building a more just and humane world. 

Respectfully,  

Eduardo M. Peñalver 
President 

Natasha Martin 
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion