As we mark the holiday previously known as Columbus Day but renamed recently to reflect the significance of Indigenous Peoples to the city, state and nation’s history and development, Cantabrigians have a number of resources for learning about and celebrating these peoples, as well as supporting the ongoing efforts to recognize and help rectify the marginalization of Indigenous communities over the past four centuries. Between Indigenous Peoples Day in October and Thanksgiving in November, the fall is a time when greater attention is paid to these histories, but there are many opportunities to learn and take action on Indigenous issues year-round.
History Cambridge is proud to partner with a number of Indigenous organizations and scholars, and our Indigenous Peoples History Hub contains information and links to numerous books, articles and groups doing work around Indigenous issues, as well as ways to get involved.
For those wanting to take part in an Indigenous Peoples Day event, there are a number planned for Monday:
Cambridge Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In its inaugural year, this event celebrates the past and present of Indigenous communities in and around Cambridge. Located near Central Square and featuring live Indigenous music and dance performances, art, poetry and storytelling, local food vendors and family-friendly activities, this program will celebrate the rich culture, art and stories of Indigenous peoples and honor their voices, creativity and history. History Cambridge will be there, so be sure to stop by and say hello!
Indigenous Peoples Day Plant and Tree Walk, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Aquinnah artist and cultural steward Elizabeth James-Perry will lead a family-friendly nature walk highlighting Indigenous cultural cuisine, architectural tribal uses and responsible stewardship practices in the lands and waters now known as the Back Bay Fens. This program is sponsored by the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and will begin at the Shattuck Visitors Center at 125 The Fenway, Boston.
Indigenous Peoples Day Newton Ceremonial Celebration, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
An outdoor, family-oriented celebration of Indigenous culture, art and history, this Indigenous-led, annual event will feature music and dancing, cultural presentations, artists, traditional foods and more. More than 50 Indigenous vendors, artists and organizations will be represented at this program, which takes place at Albemarle Field in Newton.
Framingham Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration , noon to 3 p.m.
At this event, attendees will hear from Indigenous speakers, students and other guests, and will acknowledge and celebrate the rich culture, history and contributions of Indigenous People who have inhabited this land for centuries. The program takes place at Farm Pond Park in Framingham and is open to all.
Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations are also taking place Monday in Falmouth, Lexington, Brookline, Newburyport, Westford and Winchester. A number of local museums are hosting programs centered on Indigenous artistic and cultural traditions, including The Institute for Contemporary Art, The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts, The Concord Museum and The Worcester Art Museum.
For those interested in learning more about activities and legislation affecting Indigenous communities, the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs provides information about its members, their involvement in the state’s Indigenous communities and ways for the general public to connect with their efforts. The website of the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag and Cambridge’s own Cultural Survival also highlight the stories of Indigenous peoples past and present and provide links to local and statewide legislative efforts to support Indigenous individuals and communities.
About History Cambridge
History Cambridge started in 1905 as the Cambridge Historical Society. Today we have a new name and a new mission. We engage with our city to explore how the past influences the present to shape a better future. We recognize that every person in our city knows something about Cambridge’s history, and their knowledge matters. We listen to our community and we live by the ideal that history belongs to everyone. Throughout 2024, we are focusing on the history of North Cambridge. Make history with us at historycambridge.org.
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Beth Folsom is programs manager for History Cambridge.
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