2026 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY FESTIVAL this Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10am – 5pm.

2026 Indigenous Peoples’ Day Festival

Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10 am – 5 pm (note the event is Saturday this year)

Tsha’ Thoñ’nhes , Onondaga Nation Fieldhouse, Rt. 11A, Onondaga Nation map

Please join us for this celebration of the culture and the many contributions of Indigenous Peoples, particularly the Onondaga Nation and Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The festival features Indigenous artisans, Haudenosaunee social dancing, artist demonstrations, music, food and community organizations.

Free and open to the public. Coordinated by Onondaga Nation citizens, Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation and Women of Syracuse and Italian Heritage (WISH), with major funding provided by the Central New York Community Foundation.

Co-sponsors include American Indian Law Alliance, AGREE (Alliance for a Green Economy), Center for Global Indigenous Cultures and Environmental Justice, CNY Solidarity Coalition, EnergySmart CNY, Indigenous Values Initiative, Inc., InterFaith Works of CNY, Nuclear Information and Resource Service, Onondaga County Public Libraries, Onondaga Environmental Institute, Syracuse Cultural Workers, Syracuse DSA, Zen Center of Syracuse, Workers’ Center of Central New York. Full details here.

Volunteer help is needed on Friday evening and Saturday all day to help the festival run smoothly. Check out the many opportunities here.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

10:00 am – Festival Opening Thanksgiving Address
10:20 am – Featured Artist: Jerome Waterman, wampum jewelry
11:00 am – Haudenosaunee Singers and Dancers – participatory Haudenosaunee social dancing
12:00 noon – Update on Haudenosaunee Efforts to Protect Mother Earth
12:45 pm – Onondaga Youth Dance Group – Huggy (John) & Monique
1:30 pm – Haudenosaunee Singers and Dancers – participatory Haudenosaunee  social dancing
2:30 – Featured Artist: Oren Lyons, Onondaga Faithkeeper (Turtle Clan)
3:30 pm – Featured Artist: Tom Porter (Mohawk, Bear Clan)
4:55 pm – Closing Address

The full details can be found here.

Check out the Facebook event here.