NDSU hosted the annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day opening ceremony Oct. 12 at the future home of the campus’ new Grandmother Earth’s Gift of Life Garden.

“I am honored to host this important ceremony on our campus this year,” said President Dean L. Bresciani. “The Grandmother Earth’s Gift of Life Garden is meant to honor and connect NDSU to Indigenous cultures and lifeways. NDSU is focused on diversity and inclusion, with the Grandmother Earth’s Gift of Life Garden being one of the public spaces dedicated to improving our community.”

The garden is open and available to Indigenous Peoples and the campus community as a whole. It encourages learning about the Native American people in our region. “The earth plays an integral role in Native American culture. There is great importance placed on taking care of the earth. Having NDSU provide a space for this garden shows the university’s respect toward the Native American culture,” said Jaclynn Wallette, director of Multicultural Programs at NDSU.

The Indigenous Peoples’ Day opening ceremony included a welcome, opening prayer and blessing, drum performance, reading of the resolution, presentations from area mayors, Gladys Ray Award presentation, words of support, garden groundbreaking and overview of the day’s events. 

“This annual celebration enhances understanding and promotes harmony, healing and reconciliation,” said Lenore King, Native American Commission chairwoman.

Plans are in progress for the development of the new Grandmother Earth’s Gift of Life Garden. An official dedication ceremony will take place once the garden is completed.

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