Indigenous Peoples’ Day this year falls on Monday, Oct. 12, and Sewanee will celebrate with a variety of events throughout the day, organized by the University’s Indigenous Engagement Initiative. Starting at 10 a.m., a Sacred Fire and Water Ceremony will be held at the Sacred Turtle Space near the end of Lake Cheston Dr., led by Indigenous Spiritual Leaders Dan Hull (Ojibwe) and Christina Ulibarri (Diné). This is an opportunity for Sewanee students, faculty, and the surrounding community to gather in unity and participate in traditional ceremonial music and prayer. The Sacred Fire will remain lit throughout the day, but this specific event will conclude around noon.

Shortly thereafter, Sewanee’s Indigenous Engagement Initiative will sponsor a labyrinth on the main campus Quad accompanied by Hull and Ulibarri’s Indigenous teachings, flute, song, and drumming, beginning around 12:30 p.m. The labyrinth is an ancient Native American tradition, primarily practiced by southwestern tribes, and holds deep spiritual meaning for many Indigenous Peoples nationwide. Participants are invited to drop in anytime from 12:30-2 p.m., and stay for as long as they wish.

Finally, at 6:30 p.m., a service will be held at the Lake Cheston sacred space to welcome the spirits of the Trail of Tears ancestors back to the Land. This will again be accompanied by a sacred fire and will give attendees the opportunity to reflect on the history of Indigenous Peoples here on the Mountain without shame, blame, or guilt. This event aims to inspire healing, truth, and reconciliation as we acknowledge our history and look towards a better tomorrow.