2024 Indigenous Peoples' Day events in Michigan

Photo courtesy of Quinn Dombrowski/CC BY-SA 2.0.

By Ellery Weil

September 9, 2024

This year, honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day by attending one of these four events across Michigan.

Boozhoo, Michiganders! That’s the Ojibwe word for “hello.” If you didn’t already know, Ojibwe is one of the Indigenous American languages spoken within the 12 federally recognized tribes in the Wolverine State. In fact, the name “Michigan” originates from an Ojibwe word for “large lake” — appropriate for a state that shares its name with one of the Great Lakes!

In 2024, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, traditionally celebrated on the second Monday in October and currently recognized by the Michigan state government as a holiday, falls on October 14.

Wherever you are in Michigan, local Indigenous groups, academic institutions, and activist organizations will be holding events to honor Indigenous American culture and history. Here’s a look at some of the events across the Mitten this year:

1. Free Day at the Dennos Museum Center – 1410 College Drive, Traverse City

Head up north to Traverse City for some fun and educational experiences this Indigenous Peoples’ Day — for free! The Dennos Museum Center at Northern Michigan College is hosting a free admission day on October 14 to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, where you can explore their collection of Indigenous North American art, including their famous permanent collection of Canadian Inuit pieces, and take part in special events on the day, including hands-on family-friendly activities in their children’s Discovery Gallery.

2. Macomb Community College’s Twelve Moments of Silence

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not only a time for celebration; it’s also a time for solemn reflection on Indigenous history in the United States and how we can do better going forward. At Macomb Community College, the school will be marking Indigenous Peoples’ Day with twelve five-minute periods throughout the day and on different parts of campus to silently honor the 12 federally recognized tribes in the State of Michigan. Students, faculty, and members of the general public are welcome at any and all of the twelve blocked events.

3. Talking Indigenous Issues With Heather Bruegl at Serendipity Books – 108 East Middle Street, Chelsea

Technically, this event doesn’t fall on Indigenous Peoples’ Day itself, but ten days later, on October 24, Chelsea’s independent Serendipity Books is hosting their event, featuring scholar and activist Heather Bruegl. Join Bruegl, a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, to discuss issues facing the Indigenous American community today, including women’s issues such as the #MMIW epidemic, water rights, environmental justice, and more. The event is free and open to all, but please register in advance.

4. Indigenous Peoples’ Day Conference at Mid Michigan College

If you want to learn from the experts this Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Mid Michigan College has you covered. On October 9, they’ll be hosting a conference on campus in partnership with Central Michigan University, with an opening event featuring representatives from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council and Lt. Governor Gilchrest. Speakers include Michigan indigenous activists, artists, and professionals from all walks of life. You won’t want to miss the performances by the Onion Creek drum circle and the inter-tribal round dances.

Bonus: Head to a museum to learn about Indigenous history & culture

If you can’t attend one of the above events or want to learn more about Indigenous history in the Mitten, visit one of the many Native American history centers and museums scattered across the state. Here are a few worth checking out: