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Office for Campus Climate and Belonging

Indigenous People's Day

Image of Mount Diablo

About the Event

Santa Clara University will host Indigenous Peoples' Day 2026: "Gathering Together at Dawn" (ÓTTÓY RÓOTE HUŠÍŠTAK) on Monday, October 12, 2026, in partnership with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area. The day's events offer opportunities for learning, community, and engagement across campus.

The program begins at 6:30 AM in front of the Mission Church with a Sacred Dawn Circle featuring ceremonial prayers, dances, and songs surrounding the 7:12 AM sunrise. Following the ceremony, a Community Brunch and Resource Fair will take place from 10:30 AM to 12:45 PM on the lawn behind O'Connor Hall.

The afternoon programming shifts to the Recital Hall in the Music and Dance Building, starting with the Indigenous Peoples' Day Symposium from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The day concludes from 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM with a featured speaker presentation sponsored by tURn, which attendees can join either in person at the Recital Hall or remotely via Zoom. 

All events are FREE and OPEN to the public, and will take place on the Santa Clara University campus located at 500 El Camino Real.

This year's event also serves as the kickoff to the 250th Anniversary of Mission Santa Clara de Asis. The period from Indigenous People's Day to January 12, 2027, will have a specific focus on the Pre-mission period.

 

Schedule of Events

Time  Event  Location
6:30am - 10:30am

Sacred Dawn Circle: Ceremonial prayers, dances and songs

**Sunrise at 7:12am**

 In front of Mission Church
10:30am - 12:45pm

Community Brunch and Resource Fair

 Lawn area behind O'Connor Hall
1:00pm - 4:00pm

Indigenous People's Day Symposium - Indigenous Solidarity: Generational Struggles Towards Liberation and Nation Building

 Recital Hall at Music and Dance Building
4:15pm - 5:15pm

Speaker presentation sponsored by tURn

 Via Zoom and will be broadcasted at Recital Hall

Event Details

Event Details
  • Monday, October 12, 2026
  • 6:30am - 5:15pm
  • Santa Clara University
  • 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara
  • Admission is FREE 
  • Parking is FREE - Main Garage

If you’re coming from U.S. Highway 101:

  • Take the De La Cruz Boulevard/Santa Clara exit.
  • Follow De La Cruz Boulevard towards El Camino Real (stay in the right lane).
  • When De La Cruz Boulevard splits, follow the right split over the overpass.
  • Turn right on Lafayette Street staying in the right turn lane.
  • Turn right at El Camino Real.
  • The main entrance to Santa Clara University will be on the right-hand side of the road.

If you are coming from Interstate 880:

  • Take The Alameda exit.
  • Travel north on The Alameda.
  • The Alameda will become El Camino Real.
  • The main entrance to Santa Clara University will be on the left-hand side of the road.

If you’re coming from Interstate 280:

  • Take Interstate 880 north toward Oakland.
  • Exit at The Alameda.
  • Turn left on The Alameda.
  • The Alameda will become El Camino Real.
  • The main entrance to Santa Clara University will be on the left-hand side of the road.

Sponsors

A special thank you to our partners:

  • Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area
  • Santa Clara University 
    • Inclusive Excellence
    • Office for Campus Climate and Belonging
    • Mission and Ministry
    • de Saisset Museum
    • tUrn
  • Supported by SVCreates, in partnership with the County of Santa Clara

If you have questions and need additional information, please contact Ray Plaza, rplaza@scu.edu