This October, Saint Mary’s University honors culture, heritage, narratives, resilience, and the collective beauty of our shared identity.

In celebration of Indigenous Peoples and Museum Month 2026, running from October 1 to November 4, 2026, SMU invites the community to reflect on the theme: “Honoring Indigenous Lifeways: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.”  

This month-long celebration recognizes the vital role of indigenous knowledge in grounding our roots and shaping our communities into living spaces of dialogue, learning, and solidarity. Join us in a series of meaningful events designed to spark conversations on change, historical reflection, and cultural continuity.

Let us come together to ignite conversations that inspire positive change, preserve our local history, and safeguard the rich lifeways that continue to nurture us all.

Explore the official event posters for complete details on activity dates, times, and campus venues. Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and join us in celebrating the vibrant heritage that makes us who we are! 

OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

Opening Celebrations & Community Outreach

1. Ethnicity Mass | October 1 (7:30 AM at Fr. Cornelius Tonus Gymnasium) A Eucharistic celebration to officially open Indigenous Peoples and Museum Month.
   Organizer: Campus Ministry (with SMU Chorale and BIBAK)

2. Living Heritage Museum Exhibit | October 1 (9:00 AM at Museo de Maria) An educational exhibit showcasing the culture, traditions, and artifacts of the Bugkalot Indigenous community.
   Organizer: STEH  

3. Culturally-Responsive Medical Mission (Project CARE) | October 3 & 10 (8:00 AM – 12:00 NN) Providing health relief and assessments to partner communities in Sitio Bimmito, Nantawakan, Kasibu (Oct. 3) and Purok Bagingey, Anayo, Aritao (Oct. 10).
   Organizer: SHANS  

4. Amianan Consortium | October 7 (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Fr. Gerry Bouckaert Hall, AR Building) A consortium meeting-workshop focusing on Indigenous knowledge systems in Northern Luzon.
   Organizer: SAS 

5. Habi-Tat: Artisan Trade Fair | October 8 & 10 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Patio Alois & Patio Francois) Featuring bead handicraft workshops (Oct. 8) and traditional weaving demonstrations (Oct. 9/10) in partnership with DTI and local Indigenous Cultural Communities.
   Organizer: SAB  

6. Seminar-Workshop: Traditional Gong Playing and Ethnic Attire | October 14 (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Aula Maria) Developing participants’ skills in traditional gong beating while deepening appreciation for ethnic attire.
   Organizer: CAO  

7. Project Tech-Agtutubo: Community-Based Skills Training | October 17 (7:30 AM – 12:00 NN at Saint Mary’s University) Computer skills-based training designed for partner communities.
   Organizer: NAP – ETVAO and CETSO  

8. Project Pan-de-Kaalaman: Community-Based Skills Training | October 17 (7:30 AM – 12:00 NN at Purok Gonggongob, Cabuluan, Villaverde) Bread and pastry production training aimed at empowering local residents.
   Organizer: NAP – ETVAO and CETSO  

Academic Forums & Cultural Dialogues

9. Forum on Indigenous Peoples’ Health | October 21 (8:00 AM – 12:00 NN at Sacred Heart Center) Fostering community dialogue on Indigenous health, well-being, and culturally responsive healthcare.
   Organizer: SHANS  

10. Indigenous Peoples Dialogue on Ecological Health | October 21 (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Fr. Gerry Bouckaert Hall, AR Building) Preserving and promoting Bugkalot thanksgiving rituals and strengthening community identity through ecological discussions.
    Organizer: STEH  

11. Revisiting the Indigenous Literary Landscape of Nueva Vizcaya | October 21 (8:30 AM – 11:00 AM at Fr. Gerry Bouckaert Hall, AR Building) Exploring local literary heritage and highlighting its relevance in contemporary society.
    Organizer: GILD  

12. Nueva Vizcaya Historical Congress | October 24 (7:30 AM – 5:30 PM at Fr. Gerry Bouckaert Hall, AR Building) Empowering local history and cultural identity through shared historical knowledge and local experiences.
    Organizer: STEH, SAS, SDO, NV Governor’s Office, PTCO, and NHS  

Exhibits & Culminating Festivities

13. Silong: Vernacular Architecture Exhibit | October 26 – 30 (7:30 AM – 5:30 PM at Patio Francois) A student architectural contest and exhibit showcasing local vernacular architecture and heritage.
    Organizer: SEAIT  

14. Gatok Thanksgiving Ritual | November 4 (7:30 AM – 9:00 AM at Fr. Cornelius Tonus Gymnasium) Preserving and demonstrating the traditional thanksgiving ritual of the Bugkalot Indigenous community.
    Organizer: STEH  

15. Indigenous Games | November 4 (7:30 AM – 9:00 AM at Fr. Cornelius Tonus Gymnasium) Student participation in traditional Bugkalot games fostering camaraderie and teamwork.
    Organizer: SCC  

16. Himig Katutubo | November 4 (8:30 AM – 10:30 AM at Fr. Cornelius Tonus Gymnasium) A cultural showcase featuring Bugkalot music, dances, and performances by Marian performing groups.
    Organizer: CAO