Community News

Ja:göh Layla Seneca

October 9,2023 | Repost from Layla Seneca’s Linkedin

“I am thrilled to share the incredible success of this year’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day event at Penn State! This momentous occasion, which took place on October 9th, was a powerful testament to the dedication and hard work of the Indigenous Peoples’ Student Association (IPSA) and the broader Penn State community.

Our vision for this year’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day was to create a platform for understanding, celebrating, and honoring the rich culture, history, and contributions of Indigenous communities, specifically those who resided on the land of the Penn State University Park campus. We aimed to foster unity among our diverse student body, and encourage everyone to stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples.

The IPSA team has worked tirelessly in the months leading up to the event. Hours of planning, collaboration, and education went into every aspect. From organizing performances to discussions about crafting thoughtful decorations that represented various Indigenous nations, every detail was meticulously considered.

The impact of this event extended far beyond the day itself. Indigenous Peoples’ Day served as a catalyst for ongoing conversations and education about Indigenous issues. It was a stepping stone towards building greater cultural competency at Penn State, and will hopefully continue to do so.

As we reflect on the success of this year’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day, it’s essential to remember that our work is far from over. We must continue to support and elevate Indigenous voices and celebrate our cultures.

Let’s keep this momentum going, Penn State University!”

You make your Nation proud, Layla! (Seneca, Turtle clan, Cattaraugus Territory, daughter of Nikki & Steve Seneca) Keep up the excellent work. Ja:göh!