Native American Leaders and Indigenous Peoples Worldwide Call for the Recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day
New York, Oct. 5, 2021 — After one year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Indigenous Peoples Day NYC (IPDNYC) organizers have announced that the 7th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration will return to New York City's Randall’s Island October 10 and 11, 2021.
The celebration will take place at the Harlem River Field in front of Icahn Stadium beginning on Sunday, October 10, at 11 a.m. A Sunrise Ceremony at 7 a.m. will kick off the day’s action on Monday, October 11.
Indigenous leaders, elders, medicine people, cultural performers and supporters from across Turtle Island (North America) will convene with First Peoples from the Caribbean, Polynesian Islands, and South America to share their diverse traditions through song, dance, art and prayer, while inviting all to rethink Columbus Day.
“This past year, we were unable to gather. This event honors and celebrates the Indigenous Peoples of this land. This year, for Indigenous Peoples Day NYC, we are going to gather safely, and ensure that our community receives the togetherness it deserves,” said IPDNYC organizer Chenae Bullock.
Since its inception in 2015, the two-day event dedicated to Indigenous cultural preservation, spiritual resistance and celebration of over 500 years of survival since Columbus made landfall in 1492 has attracted over 6,000 attendees and global media attention.
Eventgoers can enjoy artisan booths exhibiting and selling traditional works, crafts and jewelry and a full slate of spoken word artists, musicians and cultural performers while overlooking the East River. The event is free to attend and open to all, serving as a supportive space for those looking to find belonging and reclaim their Indigenous heritage.
The events will be headlined by an eclectic mix of personalities, including Bryan Polite, Chairman of the Shinnecock Nation, the Federally recognized tribe closest to the New York City area. Hickory Edwards, leader of the Onondaga Canoe and Kayak Club, and MaryJane Oatman, the Founder of Indigenous Cannabis Coalition and Tribal Hemp and Cannabis Magazine will also be among the presenting leaders.
Director of Red Hawk Arts Council Cliff Matias, who is one of the founders of the IPDNYC, stated “We will make this event safe and accessible to the Indigenous people that reside on Lenape lands.” Event organizers are asking for additional support to build sani-stations and provide PPE, staging, sound production, travel and lodging for speakers and performers. “Generosity from our friends and relatives across Turtle Island can ensure we have all the tools necessary to make this event a success. Too many artists suffered this past year with the lack of events and outlets to share and sell their work, and our hope is to sponsor all vendors and artists attending,” Matias said.
All donations will be greatly appreciated, and people are encouraged to give via Cash App at $redhawkarts or the group’s GoFundMe. For directions or more information, visit www.ipdnyc.org and follow @IPDNYC and the hashtag #IPDNY.
CONTACT:
Red Hawk Council | Cliff Matias
E: indigenouspeoplenyc@gmail.com
M: (917) 693-6581
