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Montana State University celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Bozeman

Posted at 8:56 PM, Oct 08, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-08 23:26:26-04

BOZEMAN – Montana State University had quite the celebration for Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday.

More than 100 people came together in the middle of campus to celebrate. 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.”

Montana State University has made great strides for its Native American population on campus. The university currently has 776 enrolled Native American students.

“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 is advocating for it to be celebrated state-wide in the near future.

Story by Emma Hamilton, MTN News