On Monday, October 11, the Network and co-sponsors Family Action Network (FAN) of Winchester and Wright Locke Farm welcomed around 150 people to Wright Locke Farm for a family-friendly celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day (what is currently recognized in Massachusetts and nationally as Columbus Day), the first of its kind in Winchester.
Attendees of the event enjoyed stories about Indigenous peoples and cultures, crafts, an opportunity to get their hands in dirt and plant a bean, a scavenger hunt and tour of the farm with an emphasis on the first people who called the land home, and the chance to help build a fish wier, a type of fence traditionally used by the Indigenous people who inhabited the land known as Massachusetts to catch fish. Attention was paid by the organizers to honor and appreciate Indigenous culture, history and contributions without unintentionally appropriating it; for example, it was important to choose a craft that wouldn’t utilize feathers as a medium, as feathers are considered sacred by many tribes.
We are so grateful to everyone who both attended and registered for the event. Our organizations were grateful for the amazing show of support, not just for our organizations, but also for the idea that Indigenous People should be honored on the second Monday of October. Events like this are essential to creating more equitable and inclusive communities.Â