The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is hosting the third annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Poetry Reading in celebration of poetry created and performed by Native poets. Gather in person at ʔaʔkʷustəŋáw̕txʷ House of Learning, Peninsula College Longhouse on the Port Angeles campus on Monday, October 9 from 5:30-7:30pm, or watch the livestream on Zoom. Visit nols.org/IPD or contact the Library for Zoom information.

The event begins with a reading by Arianne True, the 2023-2025 Washington State Poet Laureate. A member of the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations, Arianne is a queer poet and teaching artist. She has received fellowships and residencies from Jack Straw, the Hugo House, Artist Trust, and the Seattle Repertory Theater, and is an alum of Hedgebrook and of the MFA program at the Institute of American Indian Arts.

Following Arianne’s reading, there will be an open mic for Indigenous community members to share their poetry. A sign-up sheet will be available at the event and participation by Native poets of all experience levels is encouraged.

At the request of a key event participant, attendees are asked to avoid using strong fragrances.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a national holiday that honors the Indigenous peoples of what is now known as North America. First celebrated in 1992 on the second Monday in October, Indigenous Peoples’ Day was officially proclaimed a national holiday in 2021.

This program is generously supported by Peninsula College, ArtsWA, Humanities Washington, and the Port Angeles Friends of the Library. For additional information on programs and services happening at your library, visit nols.org, email Discover@nols.org, or follow North Olympic Library System on Facebook and Instagram.