Enriching Education - 10th Annual Indigenous Peoples' Day Gathering

 Indigenous communities from across the globe will come together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the East Coast’s largest Indigenous Peoples' Day gathering, hosted by the Indigenous Peoples' Day Committee (IPDNYC). In a powerful tribute to over 532 years of survival and cultural resilience, participants will raise their voices to challenge the legacy of Columbus Day at Randall’s Island Park from Sunday, October 13 to Monday, October 14, 2024. It's FREE and open to the public. For more details, visit https://ipdnyc.squarespace.com.

The 24-hour festival begins on Sunday, October 13, with gates opening at 10:00 AM, and a vibrant Intertribal Grand Entry at midday, followed by traditional performances lasting until sundown. The celebration continues Monday, October 14—Indigenous Peoples' Day—starting with a sacred Sunrise Tobacco and Water Ceremony at 7:00 AM. Programming on this day will run until 2:00 PM. IPDNYC has become a powerful symbol of cultural unity, fostering a space for collective remembrance, joy, and belonging.

This year’s gathering is pillared by a meaningful reunion of prominent Indigenous-led resistance movements, reflecting a collective commitment to solidarity with change-makers dedicated to safeguarding sacred lands and advocating for Indigenous rights.

Organizers will honor the legacy of the late LaDonna Brave Bull Allard (1956-2021), founder of the Sacred Stone Camp, the first encampment at Standing Rock that became a key base for thousands of water protectors opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).

Returning to the 2024 installment of IPDNYC is Pua Case, a renowned advocate for Hawaiian culture and environmental protection, best known for her leadership in the movement to safeguard Mauna Kea, a sacred mountain in Hawaii, from the construction of a controversial Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT).

The IPDNYC Water Ceremony is a deeply moving experience where the East River meets the shore. Initiated byCase, it highlights the tradition of praying for all of Earth’s waters. Cultural practitioner Chenae Bullock, an IPDNYC member representing the Shinnecock Nation and the Montauk people, guides attendees through ceremony protocols, calling in prayer offerings from the furthest to the nearest, symbolizing that water holds memories and recognizing those closest to it.

Speakers include Kali Reis (Seaconke Wampanoag and Cape Verde), a boxer and Emmy-nominated actress from "True Detective," and Jordan Marie Whetstone (Lakota) of Rising Hearts ahead of their New York Marathon participation.

Attendees can discover unique works from Indigenous artisans while savoring festival favorites like fry bread, Indian tacos, and buffalo burgers. Powwows feature competitive and non-competitive traditional dancers, with captivating performances like the Eastern Blanket, Smoke Dance, and Eastern War vs. Eastern Woodland.

“More and more people are questioning the celebration of Columbus Day each year,” says Cliff Matias, Founding member of Indigenous Peoples' Day New York Committee and Founder of the Redhawk Native American Council. "This shift reflects a broader understanding of our nation’s full history and the growing recognition of Indigenous peoples' contributions and resilience.”

New York City does not officially recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day. Neither the City's mayor nor the state's governor have attended the IPDNYC festival. Despite its national significance, the Indigenous-led nonprofit is still required to pay for park usage.

In response, IPDNYC launched a Change.org petition to advocate for renaming the holiday and initiated a GoFundMecampaign to support their efforts. Attendees are encouraged to donate in advance or at the gate. Follow @IPDNYC on Instagram for schedule updates and details.