COEUR d’ALENE — For Human Rights Education Institute executive director Jeanette Laster, observing Native American Heritage Day is an important reminder.

“We’re on the Coeur d’Alene people’s land,” Laster said. “We’re very conscientious of this land that we’re on.”

Community members joined HREI in observing Native American Heritage Day on Tuesday through storytelling, beading activities and enjoying authentic Native American foods. Native American Heritage Day has been observed as a civic holiday nationally since 2009, traditionally on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

HREI recognized and paid tribute to the many tribes that call North Idaho, eastern Washington and western Montana home.

“Our goal is to allow our community to be exposed to Native culture,” Laster said. “We can’t let these days go by without acknowledgement.”

Food is one way for people to connect across cultures, and attendees learned how to make authentic Indian frybread and enjoyed building their own Indian tacos.

“A lot of foods that we enjoy come from different cultures that we don’t even realize,” said Aahanah Fischer, a culinary volunteer with HREI.

The North Idaho College Indigenous Studies program partnered with HREI on Tuesday’s activities to highlight the importance of celebrating diversity.

“The more you learn about other diverse prospectives, the more you’re able to engage in other areas of life,” said Amy Bardwell, a student adviser at NIC. 

    Pumpkin fry bread was a delight during Tuesday's Native American Heritage Day celebration at the Human Rights Education Institute.