Image courtesy of MA Indigenous Legislative Agenda
It's time to recognize that celebrating the life of Christopher Columbus also celebrates the erasure of Indigenous existence. While there is a growing movement around the country to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, more work remains to be done. We are excited to share some local and national events celebrating Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Peoples Day.
Events in Massachusetts: Please click here for updates
Compiled by Indigenous Peoples Day MA and Italian Americans for Indigenous Peoples Day. Events will continue to be added as information becomes available. To include your event on this list, please email ItaliansforIPD@gmail.com.
October 1, 2-3:30 pm
ARLINGTON, MA
In-person event
The Art and Teachings of Deborah Spears Moorehead
Moorehead, who is a direct descendant of Massasoit Ousamequin, will discuss her work as an artist and Culture Bearer of the Seaconke Pokanoket Wampanoag Nation. A selection of her art and books will be available for purchase.
Robbins Library Community Room, 700 Mass. Ave., Arlington, MA 02476.
Sponsored by the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum, Robbins Library and the Arlington Human Rights Commission.
Full event details here.
October 6, 3-5 pm
ASHFIELD, MA
In-person event
Iroquois Traditional Dancers Featuring Champion Dancer Al George and Family
The program will also include Eastern Woodland Traditional Dance demonstrations and songs. Performances will be followed by a discussion with Elder and Culture Keeper Al George on the importance of the land, Clan System, and maintaining Indigenous identity. Rsvp required as in-person attendance is limited. This event will be livestreamed.
521 Main St., Ashfield, MA 01330
Sponsored by the Ohketeau Cultural Center and Bunker Hill Community College.
Full event details here.
October 7, 6-7:30 pm
LITTLETON, MA
In-person event
Nashoba Praying Indians: A Living People, A Living Landscape
Littleton, with a part of Acton and Boxborough, was originally the Praying Indian Village of Nashobah. Join Strong Bear Medicine and local historian Daniel V. Boudillion as they discuss the Nashobah people, their journey of survival, the village at Fort Pond, and the sacred landscape of ceremonial stone structures that are all around us.
Sponsored by the Littleton Historical Society.
Full event details here.
October 8, 12-1 pm
ACTON, MA
In-person event
Acton Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Quiet Storm and Strong Bear of the Nashobah tribe will discuss issues of importance to local Indigenous peoples and share a performance of traditional music.
Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St., Acton, MA 01720
Sponsored by the Town of Acton.
Full event details here.
October 8, 4-6 pm
BEDFORD, MA
In-person event
The Creator’s Game: The Indigenous Roots of Lacrosse
In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, this program will explore the oldest sport on Turtle Island. Zed Williams (Seneca), the 2020 MVP of the Premier Lacrosse League, and Sakoneseriiosta Brent J. Maracle (Mohawk), who played for the Haudenosaunee Nationals from 1989-1995, will share their perspectives on the physical, cultural, and spiritual significance of lacrosse to Indigenous communities. The event will also feature educational booths and activities, Crafts for Justice, and lacrosse demonstrations.
John Glenn Middle School, 99 McMahon Rd., Bedford, MA 01730
Sponsored by the Bedford Youth Lacrosse, Bedford Embraces Diversity and the Parents Diversity Council.
Full event details: Event link coming soon.
October 8, 12 pm
BOSTON, MA
In-person event
Boston Indigenous Peoples Day March
Help send the message loud and clear that we must honor and acknowledge the Indigenous history of Massachusetts, as well as the continued presence of Indigenous peoples throughout the state. It is time for the MA State Legislature to pass bills to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day statewide, ban Native mascots, and more!
March starts at Park St. MBTA Station by Boston Common
Sponsored by the Indigenous Peoples Day MA, United American Indians of New England, North American Indian Center of Boston and Cultural Survival.
Full event details: Event link coming soon.
October 8, 3-5 pm
DEDHAM, MA
In-person event
Dawnland Film Screening
A screening of the Emmy award winning film about the Maine Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s investigation of the impact of the removal of Indigenous children from their families and the fight for cultural survival.
Dedham Public Library, 43 Church Street, Dedham MA 02026
Full event details here.
October 8, 2 pm
MARBLEHEAD, MA
In-person event
Songs and Stories of the Woodlands with Anne Jennison
Community members of all ages will enjoy a journey through a series of traditional Northeast Woodlands lesson stories with Abenaki storyteller Anne Jennison.
Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., Marblehead, MA 01945
Sponsored by the Marblehead Cultural Council.
Full event details here.
October 8, 10-3 pm
NEWBURYPORT, MA
In-person event
Indigenous Peoples Day Observance
This family-friendly event will feature Indigenous music, drumming, song, dance, stories, speakers, artists, children’s activities, and more. Presenters include Paul and Denise Pouliot (Pennacook-Abenaki) Onega Waya (Tsalagi Cherokee), Seth Willey (Cherokee), Red Dawn (Mi’Kmaq), Claudia Fox Tree (Arawak/Yurumein), Chris Newell (Passamaquoddy), Iron River Singers, Hawk Henries (Chaubunagungamaug band of Nipmuc), Mihku Paul (Wolastoq), Lenny and Kelly Novak (Inupiaq) of Lone Wolf Studios Artisans, The Sacred Path Healing Arts, and Divine Paradigm Center and Art by Mariah.
Waterfront Park, 35 Merrimac St., Newburyport, MA 01950
Sponsored by the First Religious Society and Imagine Studios.
Full event details here.
October 9, 10 am
ARLINGTON, MA
In-person and virtual
Indigenous Peoples Day Worship Service with Lorén Spears, Executive Director of the Tomaquag Museum
Lorén Spears will discuss spirituality from her Narragansett perspective. She will be offering the sermon, including a prayer in her Indigenous language, song, and words connected to Indigenous ways of knowing. This event is open to the community and can be streamed online at www.firstparish.info.
First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington, 630 Mass. Ave., Arlington, MA 02476
October 9, 4-5:30 pm
BELMONT, MA
In-person event
Performance by Eastern Suns Drummers and Dancers Mashpee Wampanoag Nation
Eastern Suns share songs as a way to keep traditions alive. As song keepers, they honor the sacredness of sound as healing modality and community-builders. Participants feel the beat of the universal heart through their drumming.
Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St., Belmont, MA, 02478
Sponsored by the Belmont Against Racism, the Beech Street Center, Belmont Human Rights Commission, Belmont Public Library, Black & Brown in Belmont, Arlington Human Rights Commission, Henry Frost Children’s Program, Belmont Religious Council, Community Organized for Solidarity and Belmont Helps.
Full event details here.
October 9, 11-4 pm
PITTSFIELD, MA
In-person event
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
This family friendly, outdoor event features emcee Annawon Weeden (Mashpee Wampanoag), Eastern Suns Drum Group of the Mashpee Wampanoag Nation, the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers, Indigenous artisans, and local food trucks.
The Common Park, 100 First St., Pittsfield, MA 01201
Sponsored by the Berkshire Community Action Council.
Full event details here.
October 9, 11-12 pm
STOCKBRIDGE, MA
In-person event
Indigenous Peoples Day Workshop at Mohican Miles
JoAnn Schedler, a tribal council member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community, will present a workshop entitled, “A Tribute to Survival: Honoring and Remembering our Ancestors During their Many Trails.” Schedler will share stories of her Mohican ancestors, detailing their sacrifices, determination, and strength.
Mission House Museum, 19 Main St., Stockbridge, MA 01263
Sponsored by the Clark Art Institute.
Full event details here.
October 9, 6-7 PM
WELLESLEY, MA
Virtual event
When the Land Speaks: An Untold History and Living Presence of the Indigenous of Massachusetts
Award winning Native American Cultural Educator, Larry Spotted Crow Mann of the Nipmuc Nation will discuss the untold history and continued presence of Indigenous Peoples in what is presently called Massachusetts. Mann will also share his thoughts on why Indigenous Peoples Day should be a national day of remembrance, education, and celebration.
Sponsored by the Committee for Indigenous Peoples Day Wellesley and World of Wellesley.
Full event details here.
October 10, 10-5 PM
BOSTON, MA
In-person event
Institute of Contemporary Art
Free admission for all. Timed tickets are required and can be reserved starting at 10 am on Sunday, Oct. 9 here.
25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, MA 02210
Full event details here.
October 10, 11-5 PM
BOSTON, MA
In-person event
Indigenous Peoples Day: Connections to Place at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Explore connections to place and memory through art-making, storytelling, film screenings, and conversation. Collaborators include Elizabeth Solomon (Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag), artist Erin Genia (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate); musician Hawk Henries (Chaubunagungamaug band of Nipmuc), and choreographer Mar Parrilla (Taino Afroborikua).
25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115
Full event details here.
October 10, 10-5 PM
BOSTON, MA
In-person event
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Indigenous Peoples Day Open House
Free admission, Indigenous music and dance performances, art-making activities, and more. View an exhibit featuring 20th-century Native art from the Southwest or explore a gallery showcasing Indigenous cultural traditions across the US and Canada.
465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115
Full event details here.
October 10, 2-4 pm
BROOKLINE, MA
In-person event
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Details for this family-friendly event coming soon.
Brookline Public Health Building, 11 Pierce St., Brookline, MA 02445
Sponsored by the Brookline Indigenous Peoples Celebration Committee.
Event updates can be found here.
October 10, 10-11 am
CONCORD, MA
In-person event
Concord Museum Indigenous Peoples Day Family Program with the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers
Experience traditional Eastern Woodlands social songs and dances performed by artists from the tribal nations of Mashpee and Aquinnah.
Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA 01742
Register here.
October 10, 4-5:30 pm
EDGARTOWN, MA
In-person event
Second Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Learn from Wôpanâak/Indigenous speakers about why celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day matters. Speakers will address a variety of topics such as historic truths, contemporary impacts of "C" day, honoring Wôpanâak ancestors, and Indigenous peoples’ legacies and futures. This event will also feature drumming and music.
Felix Neck, Edgartown, MA 02539
Sponsored by the Sassafras Earth Education and the Aquinnah Cultural Center.
Full event details here.
October 10, 10 am
GRAFTON, MA
In-person event
Indigenous Peoples Day Walk in Hassanamesit Woods
Join Grafton RISE for a hike and reflection on the rich history of the Hassanamesit woods, an area that holds deep history for the Hassanamisco Band of the Nipmuc Nation. This program was developed in consultation with Hassanamisco leadership.
Hassanamesit Woods, 33 Salisbury Street, Grafton, MA
Sponsored by Grafton RISE.
Full event details here.
October 10, 11-2 pm
GGREAT BARRINGTON, MA
In-person event
Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremonial Walk
The procession in Great Barrington begins at the Gazebo behind Town Hall at 11 a.m. with Gordon Williams and his Stockbridge-Munsee Powwow Drum Family, GiiTaa’se Singers, playing their powwow drum.
334 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230
Sponsored by Alliance for a Viable Future.
Full event listing here.
October 10, 11:30-2 pm
MARBLEHEAD, MA
In-person event
4th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Shop the marketplace and support the work of local Indigenous artisans. The event features jewelry by Smiling Otter and Little Feather, paintings by Deborah Spears Moorehead, and wood crafts by Chief Otis Chase and Richl Chase. The Nettukkusqk Singers, an all-female group of Wampanoag and Nipmuc singers, will perform at 1 pm. Outdoor and family-friendly.
Lee Mansion Garden, 161 Washington St., Marblehead, MA 01945
Sponsored by the Marblehead Indigenous Peoples Day Committee and the Marblehead Museum.
Full event details here.
October 10, 11-5 pm
NEWTON, MA
In-person event
Indigenous Peoples Day Newton Ceremonial Celebration
An outdoor, family-oriented celebration of Indigenous culture, art, and history. This Indigenous-organized, annual event will feature music and dancing, cultural presentations, artists, traditional foods, and more. Over 50 Indigenous vendors, artists, and organizations will be represented! Open to all.
Albemarle Field, 250 Albemarle Rd., Newton, MA 02460
Sponsored by Indigenous Peoples Day Newton.
Full event details here.
October 10, 10-5 pm
SALEM, MA
In-person event
Peabody Essex Museum Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Activities for all ages include screenings of Upstander Project films “First Light”, “Dear Georgina”, and “Bounty”; painting workshop with Katharine Hagman (Lumbee); comic book making workshop with Jason Garcia (Santa Clara Pueblo); and an artist talk with Frank Buffalo Hyde (Onondaga).
161 Essex St., Salem, MA 01970
Full event details here.
October 10, 11-12 pm
STOCKBRIDGE, MA
In-person event
Indigenous Peoples Day Workshop at Mohican Miles
JoAnn Schedler, a tribal council member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community, will present a workshop entitled, “A Tribute to Survival: Honoring and Remembering our Ancestors During their Many Trails.” Schedler will share stories of her Mohican ancestors, detailing their sacrifices, determination, and strength.
Mission House Museum, 19 Main St., Stockbridge, MA 01263
Sponsored by the Clark Art Institute.
Full event details here.
October 10, 12-2 pm
WALTHAM, MA
In-person event
Brandeis University Indigenous Peoples Day Observance
Jean-Luc Pierite, President of the North American Indian Center of Boston, will discuss Indigenous climate justice followed by an interactive Round Dance. RSVP by Oct. 5.
Intercultural Center Patio, Brandeis University, 415 South St., Waltham, MA 02453
Full event details here.
October 10, 2-5 pm
WATERTOWN, MA
In-person event
Watertown Celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day
This first annual celebration will feature remarks by Elizabeth Solomon (Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag) and Mitchel Ray (Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation), a presentation of the New Repertory Theatre play Listen to Sipu, as well as Indigenous musicians, artists, and vendors. Also, in consultation with acclaimed Wampanoag chef Sherry Pocknett, Chef Ivan Conill at Branch Line restaurant will Indigenous menu items as part of Watertown’s Indigenous Food Week from September 30-October 10, 2022.
First Parish Watertown, 35 Church St., Watertown, MA 02472
Sponsored by the Pigsgusset Initiative, a working group of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice, and the Environment, New Repertory Theatre, First Parish Watertown, Watertown Boys and Girls Club, Watertown Community for Black Lives and WHERE ARE ALL THE BLACK PEOPLE AT.
Full event details here.
October 10, 10-Noon
WINCHESTER, MA
In-person event
Winchester Indigenous Peoples Day Family Celebration
Drop in to Wright Locke Farm between 10-noon for this family event featuring a farm tour, crafts, planting activity, storybook readings about Indigenous people and cultures, and more.
Wright-Locke Farm, 78 Ridge St., Winchester, MA 01890
Sponsored by the Network for Social Justice, FAN of Winchester, Wright-Locke Farm and the Arlington Human Rights Commission.
Full event details here.
Oct. 12, 7-8 pm
NEWTON/NORTH ANDOVER, MA
Virtual event
13 Moons and 12,000 Years: Honoring Indigenous Peoples Day
Tim Turner, an Indigenous Educator from the Plimoth Pawtuxet Museums will discuss 12,000 years of Wampanoag history and how communities past and present have adapted and sustained their seasonal, 13-moon lifecycles amid changing natural, social and political landscapes.
Sponsored by the Newton Human Rights Commission and the Stevens Memorial Library, North Andover.
Full event details and registration link here.
October 13, 7-8 pm
SHARON, MA
Virtual event
Hard Truths about Indigenous People of the Americas
What's it like to be invisible? What truths are missing from U.S. history? When stereotypes abound, how do we start to unlearn misinformation and develop awareness, appreciation, and understanding of Indigenous People and others? Join educator Claudia Fox Tree (Arawak/Yurumein) as she takes back the narrative and focuses on strategies to challenge bias and make contributions visible.
Sponsored by the Sharon Racial Equity Alliance, Sharon Historical Society and Mass Audubon.
Full event details here.
October 13, 7-8 pm
TEWKSBURY/MELROSE, MA
Virtual event
The Forgotten Nations: Native Tribes of New England
Heather Bruegel, a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and first line descendant Stockbridge Munsee, will share the histories of the Indigenous Nations that called this land home, where they are today, and the thriving communities that are keeping their histories alive.
Sponsored by the Tewksbury Friends of the Library and a partnership with Massachusetts Libraries.
Full event details here.
Oct. 18, 6:30-8 pm
MULTIPLE TOWNS
Virtual event
Indigenous Peoples Day Panel: Spirituality, Land Rights & Water Protection
Learn about Indigenous Spirituality as it relates to water. The discussion will include issues concerning water quality, fishing rights and industrial pollution; as well as land rights and what we can do to contribute to equitable access for all. Panelists: Hiawatha Brown (Narragansett Elder), Liz Santana-Kiser (Nipmuc Elder), Kasike Jorge Estevez (Taino), and Robert Quesada (Mexika/Aztec).
Sponsored by the public libraries in the following towns: Ashland, Belmont, Clinton, Danvers, West Newbury, Groton, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Maynard, Medway, Brookline, Tewksbury, Topsfield, and Winchester.
Full event details here.
Oct. 18, 6:30-8 pm
TEWKSBURY, MA
Virtual event
Indigenous Peoples Day Panel: Spirituality, Land Rights & Water Protection
Learn about Indigenous Spirituality as it relates to water; issues concerning water quality, fishing rights and industrial pollution; and land rights and what we can do to contribute to equitable access for all. Panelists: Hiawatha Brown (Narragansett Elder), Liz Santana-Kiser (Nipmuc Elder), Kasike Jorge Estevez (Taino), and Robert Quesada (Mexika/Aztec).
Sponsored by the Tewksbury Public Library.
Full event details here.
Oct. 23, 1-3 pm
GROTON, MA
In-person Event
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day
Lorena Novak (Inupiaq) and members of the United Native Cultural Center of Devens, MA, will share the cultures of Inuit, Abanaki, and other Native tribes through educational displays, stories, and drumming performances. $10, children under 6 free
Prescott School Community Center, 145 Main St., Groton, MA 01450
Sponsored by the Prescott Community Center.
Full event details here.
Nationwide events
Indigenous Peoples' Day: Transformative Teaching
October 10, 2022
1 PM (Available on demand afterwards)
Free. Registration required.
How is teaching a form of activism? This Indigenous Peoples' Day program highlights Native youth who are incorporating Indigenous voices in K–12 education and promoting inclusive conversations in our nation's classrooms.
This program is generously supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation.
PANELISTS
Charitie Ropati (Native Village of Kongiganak, Alaska) she/they
Amy Spotted Wolf (Tohono O'odham/Hidatsa) she/her/hers
Kourtney Kawano (Kanaka 'Ōiwi [Native Hawaiian]) she/her/hers
MODERATOR
Leilani Sabzalian (Alutiiq) she/her/hers
