Salem-Keizer Public Schools
The Annual American Indian Alaska Native Celebration
![Audience members enjoying a performance at last year's American Indian Alaska Native celebration]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1730494094/salkeizk12orus/dff2hd4bpvajne2sscjj/aian-celebration-2023-1200x675.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1730494094/salkeizk12orus/dff2hd4bpvajne2sscjj/aian-celebration-2023-1200x675.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1730494094/salkeizk12orus/dff2hd4bpvajne2sscjj/aian-celebration-2023-1200x675.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1730494094/salkeizk12orus/dff2hd4bpvajne2sscjj/aian-celebration-2023-1200x675.jpg","width":1200}])
Celebrating Resiliency
Each fall, our community comes together to celebrate Native culture, resilience, and creativity at our annual American Indian Alaska Native Celebration. This event, hosted by our Native Education Program and Native Education Parent Advisory Committee, continues to be a highlight for the fall.
Reflecting on why this event is important, one of our NEP Program Associates Shelby Maerz shared, “The American Indian/Alaska Native Celebration is one way Native American resilience, survivance, and cultures are recognized in Salem-Keizer Public Schools. This is a beginning to heal the generational trauma brought on by boarding schools our families have experienced and support the growing relationship between Native peoples and Salem-Keizer Public Schools.”
Details About This Year’s Event
Thanks to deeply dedicated staff members like Shelby, and our many loving staff and community supporters, we will come together to celebrate again this year:
- Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
- Time: 4:30 to 8 p.m. (student workshop with Tiffany Stuart is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.)
- Location: Career Technical Education Center (3501 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301)
The team has brought together another exciting lineup! Nataanii Means, an activist, songwriter, and performer, will take the stage to share his experience as a Native artist and perform live. Students can enjoy a writing workshop led by author Tiffany Stuart before the event, who will also be signing and giving away copies of her latest book.
Our evening kicks off with an invocation and opening drum, followed by a performance from SKPS student dancers. Fabian Quenelle will serve as host, guiding the event with humor and cultural insight, and Tamale Boy will provide a delicious tamale dinner. Elders and veterans will be served first, in keeping with traditions.
A Space For Everyone
As always, this family-friendly event welcomes all to join in celebration and community. We look forward to seeing you and your family there as we continue this important tradition of honoring Native voices and stories. Learn more about the celebration on our Native Education Program's webpage.