October 14, 2024

Flagstaff Unified School District celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 14, 2024—a time to honor Indigenous peoples’ rich histories, cultures, and resilience. 

FUSD Superintendent Michael Penca, Governing Board Member Dorothy Denetsosie Gishie, and students from Flagstaff High School and Coconino High School attended the City of Flagstaff’s Indigenous Peoples Day event, titled “Reflecting | Honoring | Resilience: Voices for Land and Community.” 

Held at the Elks Lodge, the event began with the reading of the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Proclamation from Mayor Becky Daggett, read by Council Member Miranda Sweet. This was followed by presentations, such as “The Journey of Prayer to the Supreme Court to Save Oak Flat” by Baase Pike, an NAU Indigenous Ambassador, and “Working Toward Healing from the Trauma of Uranium Mining” by Ophelia Watahomigie-Corliss, former Havasupai Tribe Councilmember. 

The celebration also included cultural shares by the People of the Tall Pines Bird Dancers of the Hualapai Tribe, a light traditional meal, and an appreciation ceremony led by Rose Toehe, Coordinator for Indigenous Initiatives for the City of Flagstaff.

This meaningful day encouraged reflection on the ancestral lands we inhabit and fostered unity through the recognition of diverse traditions and perspectives. FUSD invites everyone to continue learning about the Indigenous communities around us and to explore ways to support and celebrate their heritage year-round. 

View more photos, click HERE.