Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time to honor and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples connected to this region and across the Americas. This day invites us to reflect, learn, and engage with the rich traditions and ongoing stories of Indigenous communities, while fostering respect, understanding, and connection to the land.
The Longwood Carillon will play a special collection of carillon music composed by Diné (Navajo) pianist and composer Connor Chee. Connor Chee’s music blends western classical styles with his rich Diné heritage.
The Indigenous People’s Day Main Fountain Garden Playlist celebrates First Nation artists from across North America, showcasing their influence on music from traditional to contemporary styles. The program features songs in English, Cherokee, Nahuatl, Mohawk, Tutelo, Saponi, and Inuktitut, spanning genres from rock and blues to powwow drums, dance music, and lullabies. Indigenous Artists from North America are represented from Apache, Cayuga, Chamarro, Cherokee, Cree, Coeur D’Alene, Dakota, Hidatsa, Inuk, Mandan, Nipissing, Oneida, Shoshone, Tuscarora, and Yaqui Nations.
Highlights include Cherokee trio Walela’s Cherokee Morning Song, Cree grandmother Lorain Fox-Davis’s Aztec lullaby, jazz pioneer Mildred Bailey’s Peace Brother, Tuscarora trio Ulali’s Mahk Jchi, Redbone’s rock classic Come and Get Your Love, and The Halluci Nation’s cutting-edge Powwow-step.
Together, these selections honor Indigenous voices, languages, creativity, and thought leadership, reflecting both deep tradition and vibrant innovation.