What Does Indigenous Peoples’ Day Mean To You Here In The Berkshires?

Indigenous Peoples' Day will be held on October 10th but the Berkshires may be celebrating it on the 9th.

Although the day was still considered Columbus Day up to 1937, many people began calling it Indigenous Peoples’ Day to celebrate the rich culture and the lives of the Native American people.

On October 8th, 2021, President Joe Biden became the first commander in chief to formally recognize Indigenous People’s Day by issuing a proclamation celebrating the holiday.

Despite some misunderstanding of the nature of a presidential proclamation by the media, Indigenous People's Day is not yet a federal holiday.

At least 20 towns in Massachusetts have officially changed the name of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day while waiting for state-wide legislation to pass.

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The bill would replace the holiday with Indigenous Peoples Day. Changing the 2nd Monday in October to Indigenous People’s Day acknowledges the harmful impact of celebrating Columbus as a hero.

Year by year, the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day spreads to more and more states, towns, and cities across the United States of America.

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Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People, not just in America, but around the world. Their way of life and culture carries wisdom and valuable insights into how we can live life more sustainably.

Altogether, 14 U.S. states celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and not Columbus Day, as well as the District of Columbia.

Here in Massachusetts, more than 130 cities including Arlington, Amherst, Cambridge, Brookline, Marblehead, Great Barrington, Northampton, Provincetown, Somerville, and Salem also celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Coming up Sunday, October 9th, 2022 from 11 a.m till 4 p.m.
The Berkshire Community Action Council, Inc. will be holding a celebration at The Common Park.

Join Berkshire Community Action Council and our sponsor Greylock Federal Credit Union for an Indigenous Peoples' Celebration.

Featuring:
Annawon Weeden, MC
Performances by: Eastern Sons Drum, Wampanoag Nation Dancers & Singers, Indigenous Artisans, and Local Food Trucks

Admission is FREE!
This is going to be a family-friendly event.

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