Dallas resident Gabriel Quiroz, 20, shows table items to Janice Akhigbe, a sophomore economics student, during the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14 at the Central Library shopping center. A variety of indigenous instruments were displayed at the event.
The Library shopping center became a showcase for Native American-centric culture during the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Monday: colorful clothing, varied dishes and drums transformed the halls.
Dallas resident Malinda Cortez, 59, fries bread during the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14 at the Central Library shopping center. Fried bread is a traditional indigenous dish.
More than 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 US president to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, shifting attention away from Columbus Day, according to NPR.
The Ollin Cuauhtli Mexica Danza group exhibited indigenous clothing at the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on October 14 at the Central Library shopping center. They hold dance practices at 10 am every Sunday.
Carletta Granado, vice president of the Native American Student Association and a member of the Navajo/Diné tribe, said the fair highlights a variety of indigenous backgrounds, heritage and inclusion. It gives students the opportunity to connect with their cultures or learn about new ones.
He said that regardless of the students’ exact ancestry, if someone identifies as Native they need to find that side of themselves.
Dallas resident Natalie Quiroz plays drums at the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14 at the Central Library shopping center. Quiroz is part of the Ollin Cuauhtli Mexica Danza group.
“There really aren’t many big reservations in Texas, but coming from a rural area and then coming to city life, you feel alone,” Granado said. “All your family, your relatives are home, and this is an opportunity for people to make new friends and start another family.”
Workers knead dough during the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14 at the Central Library shopping center. Several workers knead fried bread dough for events such as work meetings.
Stephen Silva-Brave, president of the Native American Student Association and a member of the Sicangu Lakota tribe, said the association aims to build 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 are future leaders,” Silva-Brave said.
Dallas resident Gabriel Quiroz performs a spiritual cleansing at the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14 at the Central Library shopping center. The event lasted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Having an event focused on 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 speaks to event attendees at the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14 at the Central Library shopping center. Thunderhawk works with Texas Native Health to provide trauma-informed mental health care.
“Being a university organization, a lot of times it feels good to feel seen, to feel recognized, and like you’ve found your people,” Silva-Brave said.
He said he loved seeing the narrative change in recent years, with the Grand Prairie and Fort Worth school districts focusing more than ever on Indigenous Peoples Day.
An attendee pours honey into a frybread during the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair on Oct. 14 at the Central Library shopping center. Students received a variety of toppings such as powdered sugar and honey, as well as taco meat, lettuce and salsa.
“A lot of people think we’re in the past,” Silva-Brave said. “I think having this event here shows that we are here now and we are contributing.”
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