Miss Native American University of Arizona, right, speaks at an event on campus for Indigenous Peoples' Day, Oct. 8, 2018.
Groups in Tucson celebrated the region's indigenous people on Monday instead of observing the federally recognized holiday of Columbus Day.
Events for an Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration in South Tucson included inter-tribal dances, art, music and talks throughout the day and into the evening. The event was coordinated by the Indigenous Alliance Without Borders, an inter-tribal organization that works to affirm and protect the rights of indigenous peoples in the southern United States and Mexico border region.
Coordinator Kat Rodriguez says this celebration is especially important in the Southwest.
"There are more than 25 tribes and indigenous communities in Arizona. So this is a day to promote healing, to promote unity and to celebrate indigenous communities," Rodriguez said.
Some spoken word and dance performances were scheduled in honor of missing indigenous people, especially women, who Rodriguez says are subject to higher rates of violence and abuse.
It's the fourth year for the celebration, and Rodriguez says past years have drawn hundreds of people. The event took place at the Global Justice Center.
The Tucson Unified School District recently voted to recognize the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Columbus Day is still a state- and federally recognized holiday, though not all schools and businesses close for the day.
Events for Indigenous Peoples' Day also took place on the University of Arizona Campus
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