It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day all about celebrating + honoring our Native American communities.

Though not a federal holiday, it’s been made official in many cities + states since 2014, including Nashville. Some states, like Tennessee, honor Native American Day in September.

Today, we're talking about the 40th Annual Tennessee Indian Education Pow Wow set for Oct. 15-17.

The annual event hosted by the Native American Indian Association of Tennessee brings thousands to Long Hunter State Park in Hermitage for a weekend of ceremonial music and dance, demonstrations, storytelling, and arts exhibitions.

For the past 4 decades, the pow wow has helped educate attendees of all ages on Native American Indian culture and local indigenous communities.

Funds raised during the event go towards supporting NAIA programs + ongoing fundraising for constructing the Circle of Life Indian Cultural Center. The future center will house a research library dedicated to Native American heritage, a cultural exhibit hall, administrative offices, and more.

This weekend’s pow wow begins Friday and continues through Sunday with gates opening at 9 a.m. daily. General admission is $8 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $4 for children 6 and older.