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Gabby Mendiola, Public Health Student Association President, and Annalysa Dumlao, Indigenous Student Alliance President, pictured at the Indigenous Peoples' Day event at Aloha Tower Marketplace .
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HPU students taking part in the Indigenous Peoples' Day event.
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Indigenous Peoples' Day table display.
For many, Columbus Day has long been a source of controversy, symbolizing the painful legacy of colonization and the erasure of Indigenous histories. In recognition of this, the Public Health Student Association and the Indigenous Student Alliance chose to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 13, celebrating the resilience, culture, and contributions of Native communities.
Together, the two student organizations hosted a tabling event on campus, transforming the space into one of learning and celebration. Hawaiʻi Pacific University students gathered around the table, listening to music by Native artists and reading a poster that shared key facts about Indigenous history and health. The table also featured freshly made lumpia, a Filipino-style spring roll, symbolizing cultural sharing and community connection.
The event encouraged meaningful conversations about decolonization, respect, and representation. Students also had the opportunity to reflect on the value of learning, understanding, and unity.
