October on campus is packed with events and gatherings celebrating the rich history and identities of Dartmouth’s diverse community.
That includes Indigenous Peoples’ Month organized by the Native American Program; the Latine and Caribbean Heritage Celebration; and the Queer History Celebration and Trans Week of Visibility organized by the Office of Pluralism and Leadership.
The Collis Center and the Office of Student Involvement are also working closely with students to prepare the bonfire for Homecoming, one of Dartmouth’s most anticipated annual traditions, which will take place on Nov. 1.
Indigenous Peoples’ Month
Dartmouth’s connection to Native and Indigenous communities is woven into the fabric of its founding history. The monthlong educational and cultural programs coordinated by the Native American Program highlight the vital contributions of Native peoples and center Indigenous perspectives, history, and knowledge.
On Sept. 30, Orange Shirt Day commemorated the experiences of Indigenous children in residential schools in the United States and Canada.
Key events open to the public include:
- 12:30 p.m., Oct. 14: Indigenous Peoples’ Day gathering on the Green
- 8 p.m., Oct. 17: Indigenous Fashion Show at the Hood Museum of Art, highlighting creativity and design. This event, co-sponsored by Native Americans at Dartmouth, Hōkūpa`a, the Native American Program, and the Hood Museum of Art, will also be livestreamed on the Hood Museum’s Facebook page
- 7 p.m., Oct. 24: Sugarcane film screening at the Hopkins Center for the Arts
- 4 p.m., Nov. 1: Gallery talk of the exhibit Across Oceans: Indigenous Solidarity Throughout Pasifika and Beyond at the Hood Museum of Art
Dartmouth also continues its annual fly-in program, which has taken place for over 30 years, welcoming high school seniors interested in Native American Studies or the Native community to experience life at Dartmouth firsthand.
Latine and Caribbean Heritage Celebration
Throughout September and October, the Latine and Caribbean Heritage Celebration, organized by OPAL, has been celebrating the theme of “Creative Pioneers/Pioneros Creativos,” spotlighting the diversity of creative expression from the Latine and Caribbean diaspora.
In partnership with the local independent bookstore Still North Books, students were eligible to select a free book from the curated selection of Latine and Caribbean authors on display. Festivities kicked off with a barbeque and craft workshop, an Afro-Cuban dance class co-sponsored by OPAL and East Wheelock House Community, and a film screening of Visions of Resilience: Creative Pioneers in Cinema, about Mexican Indigenous culture.
The celebration will culminate in a Latin dance party at Collis After Dark.
Through the range of event offerings, community members engaged in learning about the varied voices of Latine and Caribbean individuals, exploring the complexities of self-expression, migration, and belonging.
Queer History Celebration and Trans Week of Visibility
Queer History Celebration and Trans Week of Visibility programs, also hosted by OPAL, foster inclusivity and community for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff. Events started with the Sept. 20 Triangle House picnic, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the creation of the living learning community. The series of community programs include community gatherings, support for Dartmouth athletic teams, and educational opportunities around National Coming Out Day on Oct 11 and Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20. In raising awareness about important issues, the programs also reinforce opportunities for community support and celebration.
The Bonfire Committee
Amid these celebrations, Dartmouth’s annual bonfire tradition at Homecoming will take place on Nov. 1. The Bonfire Committee, comprised of members of the Class of 2028, will lead the charge for building the bonfire and spirit activities, including special merchandise to commemorate this year’s bonfire.
