POCATELLO — To honor the contributions and histories of diverse native cultures across the globe, Idaho State University will host its annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration on Monday at the Pond Student Union Building.

The celebration, planned by Native American Student Services in partnership with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, affirms the shared commitment of collaboration, education and mutual respect between the Tribes and the longtime educational fixture in Pocatello.

In recognition of the shared spirit of endurance, creativity and cultural pride that connects indigenous communities everywhere, this year’s theme will be Indigenous Joy: Celebrating Strength & Resilience. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pond Student Union Ballroom.

The celebration will kick off with a sunrise ceremony at the ICCU Bengal Alumni Center led by Fort Hall Business Council Vice Chairman Lee Juan Tendoy. The day will feature a variety of cultural performances, art, keynote presentations, research showcases and interactive learning opportunities that are open to the public and available virtually via Zoom.

The Idaho Museum of Natural History will host activities throughout the day with demonstrations on stone tool making, a student research lightning talk competition featuring $500 in prizes and an art showcase featuring works from native and indigenous youth, students and community artists.

Food trucks, vendors, raffles and art displays will also be featured during the day.

Lynette St. Clair will present her keynote address Peace, Love and Frybread: A Celebration of Strength and Resilience Through Generations with additional sessions that include presentations by Alonzo “Punkin” Coby, Willow Abrahamson and Dr. Laticia Herkshan.

The Sho-Ban High School Dance Troupe and Sage Point Singers will also be performing.

“Indigenous Peoples’ Day gives our campus and community an opportunity to come together in respect and celebration,” said Echo Marshall, ISU director of tribal relations. “It’s a day to honor the world’s indigenous cultures — past, present and future — and to reaffirm ISU’s commitment to partnership, education and inclusion alongside the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.”

This event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged at isu.edu/ipd/register. For more information, contact Native American Student Services at 208-282-1218 or nass@isu.edu.