Erin Yarwood is a journalism senior and opinion columnist for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
Despite Cal Poly proudly sitting on the land of the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe of San Luis Obispo County and Region, the university does not give students the day off in observation of the holiday.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which occurs on Monday, Oct. 14, is a federal holiday on the same date as Columbus Day. This day celebrates the history and culture of Indigenous people in the United States instead of the man who led to their colonization. So, if the U.S. government recognizes the holiday alongside many workplaces and schools, why doesn’t Cal Poly?
California state employees and students do not receive the day off. However, Cal Poly and other state universities recognize the day through events, speakers and celebrations. In fact, Cal Poly has recognized the holiday since 2017, and the City of San Luis Obispo since 2018.
Cal Poly’s Native American and Indigenous Cultural Center, or NAICC, is hosting its annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration on the yakʔitʸutʸu lawn from 5 to 7 p.m.
In past years, the celebration has included Northern Chumash Tribal Members’ speeches, songs, games, food and items important to the tribe’s heritage. The event has been successful in past years.
Unfortunately, for many students without the day off, Indigenous Peoples’ Day will go unoticed. Without time off or greater attention drawn to the day, many students will miss out on an opportunity to engage with the culture and history of Indigenous communities.
With a day off from class not being a foreseeable option, Cal Poly should be taking additional steps to ensure students are more aware and engaged with the meaning behind the holiday.
Professors could recognize the holiday and bring attention to the day with their students, which is a simple way to do this. Land recognitions and a short class conversation the day of are also great first steps.
After all, if Cal Poly includes land recognition before all campus events, they should especially continue to do so on the holiday meant to bring attention to the Native American and Indigenous communities.
While Cal Poly may not have the day off, recognizing the significance of the celebration in the classroom and beyond would help ensure that Indigenous Peoples’ Day doesn’t just “fly under the radar” but becomes a central part of the campus culture.
