Lawton's Ninth Annual Indigenous People's Day: Full Schedule for Monday, October 12

Lawton’s ninth annual Indigenous People’s Day takes over two locations Monday, starting at 10 a.m. on the south steps of City Hall at 202 SW 9th. The morning opens with a ceremonial blessing, the KCA Veterans Organization Color Guard, the flag song, the Lord’s Prayer by the Comanche Nation Princesses and greetings from Mayor Stan Booker. At 11, tribal leaders, the Cameron University Native American Indigenous Student Association and a year-in-review take the program, followed by guest speaker Dr. Kim TallBear.

The afternoon shifts to Cameron University. A 1 p.m. cedar ceremony and color guard posting open the program at the McMahon Centennial Complex, with Democratic gubernatorial candidate and Lawton native Cyndi Munson speaking at 1:30 p.m. in Ross Hall. TallBear returns at 2:45, and at 4 p.m. Jodi Voice Yellowfish, co-founder and chair of MMIW Texas Rematriate, leads a Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Talking Circle.

The day closes with dinner at 5:30 p.m., exhibition dancing and award presentations. Event co-founder Dr. Cornel Pewewardy helped build this into what it is today, and the ninth year brings together culture, tribal leadership and a statewide campaign stop on one schedule. Everything is open to the public.

Which part of Monday’s schedule are you planning to attend? Let us know in the comments.