GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – This October, the City of Gainesville will be partnering with the Indigenous Peoples’ Task Force and other community partners to host three events celebrating the contributions of past and present Indigenous peoples in the area.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which is celebrated on the second Monday of October – the same day as the federally recognized Columbus Day – falls on Monday, Oct. 9 this year. Although the state of Florida doesn’t officially recognize the holiday, Gainesville is celebrating with a local Indigenous Peoples’ Day ceremony from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m at the City Hall Plaza.
Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward will recognize local Indigenous peoples like the Potano, part of the Timucua Nation who first inhabited north-central Florida. He will present a proclamation to elders in attendance. Attendees should ask ceremonial leaders before taking photos or video at this event, which will be located at 200 E. University Ave. in Gainesville.
The second celebration of the month will take place at the Harn Museum of Art from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12. This Museum Nights event will feature dance performances, drumming and artwork by Indigenous artists. Guests can come enjoy the art at 3259 Hull Road.
Can’t make it on a Thursday night? The following Saturday, Oct. 14, the City of Gainesville’s Morningside Nature Center will host an Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration event with Native dancers and drummers, as well. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3540 E. University Ave.
All three events will be free and open to the public.
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