BOZEMAN – Montana State University held a celebration for Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday with more than 100 people coming together in the middle of campus.
It’s important to the campus community and the city of Bozeman to celebrate this day together as one family.
“As the Mayor of Bozeman, I hope it also shows a commitment from our community,” said Mayor Cyndy Andrus. “One of the pillars of our community’s strategic plan is that we are a safe, welcoming and inclusive community. All of the students, no matter where you call home, are a part of our community, and we continue to make you feel welcome here.”
MSU has made great strides for their Native American population on campus and have 776 enrolled students who are Native American.
“This place, where our land grant university was established 125 years ago, was for centuries a respected gathering hub where members of many tribes put down their differences and met in peace,” said MSU President Waded Cruzado.
The day was filled with music, warm food, and togetherness.
“It’s an embodiment of persistence, of hope of our continuing traditions for generations and generations,” said Casey Lozar, member of the MSU Board of Regents.
“Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a movement. We start with a day and we go from there,” added Director of Native American Studies Walter Fleming.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated annually on campus, but MSU advocates for it to be celebrated statewide in the near future.
-Emma Hamilton reporting for MTN News