Indigenous Peoples Day

Indigenous Peoples Day Events 
October 14, 2024

The Native Vote: 100 Years After Citizenship (Public Talk)
Newman Multipurpose (Goodall Room) | 10:30 – 11:30am

Jason N. Chavez (Tohono O’odham) graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2020 with his master’s degree in political science. His graduate research examined the barriers to political participation for Native Americans in northern Arizona and suggested that the “convenience” of early voting (i.e., voting-by-mail) lacks viability in Indian Country. His project, Inconvenient Voting: Native Americans and the Costs of Early Voting, was awarded “Best Thesis” by the VT Department of Political Science. As a member of Native at Virginia Tech, Jason helped advocate for the recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day by university administration in 2018. He notes that the friendship and support from the Native American and Indigenous community at Virginia Tech were highlights of his time in Blacksburg. Jason currently lives in Arizona with his son and his wife, Heather (Virginia-Maryland College of Vet. Med, 2020), where he works as the Director of Tribal Affairs for Arizona Governor’s Office.

Sponsors: Ati: Wa:oki Indigenous Community Center, Alumni Relations, Center for the Humanities, and Student Affairs

Wild Relatives (Photography Art Exhibit)
Perspective Gallery | 2nd Floor Squires Student Center | All Day

Chrissy Shammas grew up in southern Virginia, enchanted by wildlife both big and small. After earning a B.F.A. in Cinema from Virginia Tech in 2018, she moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, which became the home base for her travels around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and beyond. While at Virginia Tech she was an active member of Native at VT and the Indigenous Community Center. Wild Relations displays Chrissy’s stunning photographs of Yellowstone wildlife in large format prints. Chrissy believes that through photography we can better educate people and most importantly, inspire a love for wildlife in others. “If I can save just a few animals’ lives, or bring joy to a handful of people, I think I can justify a life like this.”

Sponsors: Perspective Gallery, Ati: Wa:oki Indigenous Community Center, Alumni Relations, and the Diverse Voices and Perspectives Lecture Series Grant

First Contact: A Densely Inhabited Land (Graphic Art Exhibit)
2nd Floor Newman Library | All Day

Erick Krigsvold is a Pamunkey citizen, artist, and culture bearer based in Richmond, VA. He uses his artwork to tell visual stories of Native Americans, with a particular focus on Virginia tribes and culture. Erick combines digital drawing with traditional techniques like screen printing. He also speaks with students and schools about Virginia Native history and culture, using his website and social media to promote tribal education and awareness. Erick advocates for Indigenous education through art at the Pamunkey Museum, pow wows, and other artists markets in Virginia. His work aims to elevate the underrepresented Native American voice in Virginia and preserve the rich stories of Virginia's Indigenous people.

Sponsors: Ati: Wa:oki Indigenous Community Center and Newman Library

Voices from the Urban Indigenous Campfire (Performance)
Moss Arts Center | 7:30pm

Voices from the Urban Indigenous Campfire is a uniquely curated event honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day, showcasing a blend of poetry, creative writing, and storytelling from three distinguished Indigenous artists. Award-winning poet Rena Priest (Lummi Nation, Washington State Poet Laureate 2021-2023), first-person novelist Deborah Taffa (Quechan Nation, Laguna Pueblo; Whiskey Tender), and leading playwright Rhiana Yazzie (Navajo, 2020 Steinberg Playwright Award) represent voices reaching well beyond their own tribal affiliations. Alongside an invited member of our own region’s Monacan nation, these distinguished writers delve into tribal identity and the beauty — and tremendous challenges — of keeping culture, land, and traditions close.

Sponsors: Moss Arts Center and a gift from Dr. Rosemary Blieszner and Dr. Stephen P. Gerus.