On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, institutions across America pause to acknowledge and honor the original inhabitants of this land. At Ohio University, this day holds particular significance given the university’s placement in a region with a rich Indigenous history. As we celebrate, it’s essential to delve deep into the roots of the region and understand the legacy of the Indigenous peoples who once thrived here.
This year’s event will take place on Monday, October 9, but is technically observed the Friday after Thanksgiving. We explain why that is here.
A Glimpse into the Past
Ohio’s landscape bears testimony to its ancient residents. Along the Maumee River in Northwest Ohio, scenes from the Archaic era come to life – families prepping for winters, men and women skillfully carving dugout canoes, and communities uniting to store food. The stories embedded in these landscapes are backed by archaeological finds like the Ringler dugout, discovered near Ashland.
Before Ohio became a hub for European settlers, it was home to diverse Indigenous communities. The Southeastern Ohio region was notably a meeting point for over 40 tribes, including the Mingo, Erie, Lenape, Wyandot, and Miami. This place offered safety and bountiful hunting grounds, eventually becoming the traditional homelands of the Shawnee peoples and the Wahzhazhe (Osage) nations.
However, as with many tales of Indigenous history, conflict loomed. The Treaty of Greenville in 1795 marked a pivotal moment, leading to the cession of vast territories to the U.S. government. Even the formidable resistance of the Shawnee leader, Tecumseh, and his confederacy, couldn’t stave off the eventual expulsion of many tribes from Ohio. The last to be forcibly removed were the Wyandot in 1843.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Ohio University
Ohio University sits in Athens, a land rich with Indigenous history. On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Charles J. Ping Institute presents exhibits that acknowledge this legacy. These exhibits serve as a poignant reminder of the history of the land and the contributions of its original inhabitants. In these spaces, the violent legacy of conquest and colonialism is confronted head-on, while also celebrating the enduring contributions of Indigenous cultures.
The university also actively seeks to rectify the often-misrepresented narratives of Indigenous peoples. By engaging with historical records and firsthand accounts, like those of Chief Glenna Wallace, we learn of the marvels created by these communities, from the Newark Earthworks to their deep understanding of science, art, and spirituality.
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Educate Yourself and Others: Delve into books, exhibits, and seminars that provide authentic accounts of Indigenous histories and contributions.
- Acknowledge the Land: Recognize the traditional Indigenous territories you’re on. Understand and respect their historical and current significance.
- Support Indigenous Communities: Purchase from Indigenous artisans, engage with Indigenous-led initiatives, and listen to their voices and stories.
- Reflect and Act: As Chief Glenna Wallace urges, consider the legacies we’re creating. Strive for a future where all histories are respected, sacred spaces are preserved, and all cultures are celebrated equitably.
In celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Ohio University, we don’t just honor the past. We commit to a future where the Indigenous legacy is acknowledged, respected, and integrated into the fabric of our collective consciousness.