Indigenous Peoples' Day

October 14, 2024

On Indigenous Peoples Day, we honor and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of the native people who originally inhabited the land that we now call the United States of America. This holiday creates an opportunity for us to learn and appreciate the diverse and rich heritage of Indigenous Peoples, while also raising awareness of the injustices they have faced throughout history. By replacing Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples Day promotes a more accurate and inclusive understanding of the history of the Americas, encouraging respect, understanding, and appreciation for Indigenous cultures.

Wellan Montessori School recognizes that our history is intertwined with that of the Wampanoag people, in whose ancestral homeland our school facilities are located. We honor them and their ancestors by acknowledging that we fulfill our educational mission in the territory they occupied prior to colonization.

Events

Indigenous Peoples Day Newton Ceremonial Celebration
October 14, 11-5 PM | NEWTON, MA | In-person event
An outdoor, family-oriented celebration of Indigenous culture, art, and history. This Indigenous-organized, annual event will feature music and dancing, cultural presentations, artists, traditional foods, and more. Over 50 Indigenous vendors, artists, and organizations will be represented! Open to all. Numerous accessibility measures will be in place, including ASL interpreters, an accessible viewing and elder area, a sensory-friendly/quiet zone, and more.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Indigenous Peoples Day Open House
October 14, 10-5 PM | BOSTON, MA | In-person event

Free admission, gallery tours, family art-making activities, and more.

Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
October 14, 1-4 PM | BROOKLINE, MA | In-person event
This family friendly event will feature Indigenous speakers, Indigenous art and craft vendors, advocacy organizations, and food from local restaurants.

Winchester Indigenous Peoples Day Family Celebration
October 14, 11-1 PM | WINCHESTER, MA | In-person event

Drop in to Wright Locke Farm between 11-1 PM for this family event featuring an interactive performance by the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers, corn husk dollmaking, traditional hand games, advocacy opportunities, storybook readings about Indigenous people and cultures, and more.

Discovery Museum Reflection Room: Whose Land are We On?

October 12, 1-4:30PM, October 13 & 14, 9 AM - 4:30 PM | ACTON, MA| In-person Event

Head to the Discovery Museum to explore a variety of stories written by Indigenous authors and to learn more about Native histories and cultures. Take a closer look at a map of New England to see where the tribal territories overlay the borders that we know as our current cities and towns. Then, add a mark to the map where you live to find out whose land we are really on.