Columbus Day is no longer Columbus Day in Seattle. Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day. There was great celebration in Seattle after Mayor Ed Murray signed a resolution enacting the name change.

 

A man points to the sky during a celebration marking Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the Daybreak Star Cultural Center on October 13, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. Earlier that afternoon, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray signed a resolution designating the second Monday in October to be Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

 

Reneé Roman Nose addresses the crowd.

 

Nikk “Red Weezil” Dakota (R), from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, celebrates with others from various tribes.

 

There were some great performances.

 

A man sings.

 

People cheer while listening to a speaker.

 

Tobacco bounces on a drum.

 

Rapper Nataanii Means (R) performs while Nikk “Red Weezil” Dakota (L) does an impromptu dance.

 

Men celebrate in front of Haida artwork.

 

Daybreak Star was packed.

 

People sing and dance.

 

More song and dance.

 

Celebrations lasted more than five hours. This was a big deal and an opportunity for a diverse gathering of American Indians from across the country.

 

Reneé Roman Nose receives a hug after leading an emotional closing prayer.

Kids play football in near a mural.

 

Austin Whiteraven Hehman stands near a grill covered with fresh coho salmon.