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Cambridge Celebrates Indigenous Peoples' Day

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 2 years ago.

A sign recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day in Cambridge

Since 2016 in Cambridge, the second Monday of October has been celebrated as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in recognition of the culture, history, and diversity of Native American People's, and their continued contributions to the vibrancy and vitality of our society. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is part of a growing movement across the country to change the narrative of history towards a recognition of the survival, resilience, diversity, and strength of Indigenous Peoples, who are among us as residents in Massachusetts and indeed across New England, the United States, and the world.


Below is a list of Indigenous Peoples Day events in Cambridge and the region. Be sure to check back as new events are announced!


10.07 Indigenous Peoples’ Day Storytime With Mayor Siddiqui

Thursday, October 7, 11:00am-12:00pm

Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui will lead a Story Time at the Main Library in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The reading will take place on Thursday, October 7, at 11 a.m. at Joan Lorentz Park, in front of the Main Library. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, October 9 at 11 a.m. in the same location.


10.09 Indigenous Peoples Day at MFA

Saturday, October 9, 10:00am-5:00pm

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with free general admission to the MFA on Saturday, October 9, part of the Fenway Alliance’s annual Opening Our Doors Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes and honors the heritage of all Indigenous peoples and the histories of their nations and communities. Stop by the MFA for free admission and giveaways of art-making kits as well as children’s books selected by Elizabeth James-Perry (Aquinna Wampanoag) and Ekua Holmes (African American), artists, activists, and creators of “Garden for Boston,” an exhibition on the Museum’s front lawn.

 

10.11 Harvard University Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration

Monday, October 11, 1PM - 4PM

Join the Harvard University Native American Program and Natives at Harvard College for an Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration in Harvard Yard in front of Matthews Hall. There will be speakers and an open mic for those who would like to share a few words. There will be a T-shirt sale and petition signing as well. 

 

10.11 Inaugural Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration with BOMBAntillana
Monday, October 11, 9:30AM

Bomba is the oldest living musical tradition of Boriken (Puerto Rico) and reflects the powerful forces that shaped the island’s history, drawing from the West African (Bantu) and Taino (Indigenous) experience with enslavement enforced on the island by the Spanish Crown prior to the 1700s. Winn Brook School grounds, 97 Waterhouse Rd., Belmont, MA 02478. Sponsored by Belmont Against Racism, Town of Belmont, Belmont Religious Council, Community Organized for Solidarity, and school PTAs.

 

10.11 Tufts University Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

Monday, October 11, 3:30PM-6:30PM

This event will feature performances by Nettukkusqk Singers and the Eastern Sun Drummers and remarks by Mahtowin Munro (Lakota) of the United American Indians of New England and Indigenous Peoples Day MA. Open to the Tufts community and the general public. Tufts University, Olin Terrace (outside), 180 Packard Ave., Medford, MA 02155

10.12 Disrupting Colonial Narratives in Public Spaces with Erin Genia (Virtual)

Tuesday, October 12, 6pm

Erin Genia, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate/Odawa, is a multidisciplinary artist, educator and community organizer specializing in Native American and Indigenous arts and culture. Genia’s work in these areas is focused on amplifying the powerful presence of Indigenous peoples in the arts, sciences and public realm to invoke an evolution of thought and practice that is aligned with the cycles of the natural world and the potential of humanity. Genia’s artistic practice merges Dakota cultural imperatives, pure expression, and exploration of materiality with the conceptual. Erin is fluent in multiple modes of expression: sculpture, fibers, sound, performance, digital media, writing, painting, printmaking, jewelry and ceramics. Genia lives and works in the greater Boston region and has an M.S. in Art, Culture and Technology from MIT, an M.P.A. in Tribal Governance from the Evergreen State College and studied at Institute of American Indian Arts. She was awarded the 2021 Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant from Mass Cultural Council, the 2019 MIT Solve Indigenous Communities Fellowship and the AAF Seebacher Prize for Fine Arts in 2018. Register here

 

CPL Indigenous Peoples Day Book List

The Cambridge Public Library has compiled a list of books for children, teens, and adults who want to learn more about indigenous history and culture. 

A poster with Indigenous Peoples' Day written across the top, the date 10/11/21, a pictures of books on the 2021 book list (list below)

Indigenous peoples' day poster for children and teens with pictures of books

 


Looking for more events? Click here for a full list from Cultural Survival

 
Page was posted on 10/4/2021 11:58 AM
Page was last modified on 12/31/2023 11:05 PM
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