NISU's Indigenous Peoples' Day Gathering

On a sunny October evening, Willamette’s Native Indigenous Student Union (NISU) hosted an Indigenous Peoples' Day Gathering on Brown Field. The event featured presentations from Javier Lara and Kory Williams. Lara specializes in cultivating traditional foods and Williams works as a chef man- ager for Bon Appetit. Williams also served as the caterer for the gathering, providing Three Sisters Stew, smoked mushrooms, salmon and huckleberry relish. Members of the Willamette community learned about the cultivation and utilization of plants, as both medicine and meal, which served as a reminder of the longstanding connections between stewardship, cooking and community. All photos taken by Iris McClure on Oct. 12, 2026.

Audience members at the Indigenous Peoples' Day Gathering. Photo by Iris McClure.

People walk toward the food line at the Indigenous Peoples' Day Gathering. Photo by Iris McClure.

Decorations on the tables at the Indigenous Peoples' Day Gathering. Photo by Iris McClure.

A performer speaks at the Indigenous Peoples' Day Gathering. Photo by Iris McClure.

Students wait in line for food at the Indigenous Peoples' Day Gathering. Photo by Iris McClure.

A booth with a display at the Indigenous Peoples' Day Gathering. Photo by Iris McClure.