Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

Goshen and its surrounding region have a rich history as the land of the Potawatomi and Miami nations. To honor Indigenous Peoples Day, the City of Goshen Community Relations Commission will offer an opportunity for residents of all ages to learn this history. 

The CRC will host an Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration at the Goshen Theater on Monday, Oct. 14th, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The theater's doors open at 6 p.m., and the program starts in the theater auditorium at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the community.

Presenters: 

• Ribbon Town: Ribbon Town Singers formed in 2003. John Topash Warren (lead singer, Potawatomi) grew up in South Bend, IN. The Potawatomi in their language call South Bend “Zēnba-Odanek,” which translates closely to “Ribbon Town.” In the sarly 1800s the Potawatomi would trade furs for Euro-manufactured goods along the banks of the St. Joseph River, in what is now present-day South Bend. Since the lead singer and family grew up in South Bend, Ribbon Town seemed like an appropriate name. You will see dancers representing both traditional and contemporary dance styles. For more information, please see https://www.pokagonband-nsn.gov/our-culture/. 
• Doug Peconge: Doug is a citizen of the Miami tribe of Oklahoma. He is a graduate of Trine University and Western Governors University. Doug has a degree in Engineering along with a degree in information technology with a focus in security. After spending seventeen years in IT, he joined the Cultural Resources Office (CRO) of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma in 2015 to continue his passion for learning the cultural ways of the Tribe and providing opportunities for Tribal citizens living in the Lower Great Lakes to expand their cultural knowledge. In 2021, his role in Kiihkaynoki shifted when the Tribe purchased peehkihkayonki(The beautiful place) on the Northwest side of Fort Wayne, Indiana. As the ARPA Project Manager in Fort Wayne, Doug oversees the 45-acre property and the ARPA project in Fort Wayne. He is working with his kiihkayonki ARPA team to establish goals and plans to assist tribal citizens in food, health, and wellness. He also ensures that the community’s cultural needs are met.