On October 14th, we hosted a vibrant and meaningful celebration for Indigenous Peoples' Day, bringing together the community to honor the rich traditions, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous communities. The day began at 11 AM with a Land Acknowledgement and opening remarks from Mayor E. Denise Simmons, setting a respectful and thoughtful tone for the event. This was followed by powerful blessings and performances from the Eastern Medicine Singers, led by Daryl Jameson of the Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe of Pokanoket Nations.

Despite the rainy weather, attendees came out in full support, proving that the spirit of celebration and cultural appreciation cannot be dampened. The day was filled with captivating dance performances, live art by Brian Life, and music from DJ Bruno that energized the crowd. The event also offered family-friendly activities like storytelling which engaged visitors of all ages.

Local vendors showcased unique handmade products, while food trucks like La Qchara Latin Food and Tandoor & Curry on Wheels served delicious bites, adding to the festive atmosphere. An altar was set up to honor Indigenous traditions, where community members left offerings such as flowers, fruits, and photos, creating a space for reflection and remembrance.

The event's significance was recognized in local media, with coverage from NBC10, a feature on the Boston Blog, and an article in The Harvard Crimson, underscoring the event's impact in celebrating and uplifting Indigenous voices.

A special thanks to Chali’naru Dones of the United Confederation of Taino People who worked together with CSBID to bring this historic celebration to life. Herr dedication and thoughtful curation of artists, advocates, and community leaders made the day both meaningful and inspiring.

The success of this event reflects the shared commitment to honoring Indigenous cultures while fostering unity in Central Square. It was a day to not only celebrate but also to remember, educate, and continue the important work of recognizing the contributions of Indigenous communities.

Check out our recap : https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBIBKYDvux2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==