A few years ago now Indigenous Peoples’ Day was declared a national holiday and, being celebrated this year on Monday October 14th, it’s a day dedicated to “recogniz[ing] Indigenous peoples’ resilience and strength as well as the immeasurable positive impact that they have made on every aspect of American society.”
And since NYC used to be inhabited by a group of Native Americans called the Lenape people, honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day hits much closer to home for us New Yorkers.
There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate and honor Indigenous Peoples, and here are some ways to do so in NYC:
1. 10th Annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration at Randall’s Island
One of the largest Indigenous celebrations in the Northeast, this celebration takes place on Randall’s Island (Lanapehoking) and is filled with music, dancing, food, and endless Indigenous Peoples culture. The 24 hour celebration will feature guest speakers, activists, cultural songs and dances, a sunrise tobacco and water ceremony, plus so much more. The celebration is free to attend! Learn more at their Instagram here.
When: October 13 (10 am) – October 14 (24+ hours)
Where: Randall’s Island
2. Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Join the Brooklyn Children’s Museum for two days over the weekend to celebrate the cultures and traditions of Indigenous peoples, together with the North American Indigenous Center of New York. You can expect all kinds of awesome activities including traditional dance performances, interactive storytelling sessions, hands-on food demonstrations, craft workshops, and a vendor marketplace! Tickets are on sale for only $15 for each day, and you can learn more about the event via their website!
When: October 13 – 14 (10 am – 5 pm each day)
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum (145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn)
3. Native New York at the National Museum of the American Indian
Stop by the National Museum of the American Indian this weekend to take in their ongoing exhibit Native New York, which walks through the Native history of present-day New York. The exhibition showcases 12 different places from Long Island and NYC to Niagara Falls, tracing the Native history of the region through artifacts and storytelling. It’s super fascinating and incredibly informative! Learn more about Native New York and what else is on at NMAI here!
Where: Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House (1 Bowling Green)
4. Indigenous Peoples of the Americas Parade
The 3rd annual Indigenous Peoples of the Americas Parade is set to happen again in 2024, welcoming all sorts of Native performances and activities! The parade is a celebration of Native culture here in NYC and is free to attend in Madison Square Park. To learn more about this year’s parade, head here!
When: October 19 (lineup at 8 am, ceremony at 9 am, parade 12 – 3 pm)
Where: Madison Square Park (E 26th St)
5. Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the Seaport Museum
South Street Seaport Museum is offering Pay-What-You-Wish General Admission for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, allowing New Yorkers to experience “Where New York Begins” on October 14. The ticket includes entry into all exhibitions, as well as access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree where you can discover the traditions of the area’s Indigenous people and play the same games that were enjoyed here many years ago.
Those games include Selahtinalìtin (sˈɛlɑːtˌɪnɐlˌɪtɪn), a scattering straws game similar to Pick Up Sticks or Jackstraws, and Mamantuhwin (mˈæmɐntˌuːwɪn) a dice-and-bowl game possibly named after the whirligig beetle. Learn more about the event via their online calendar.
When: October 14 (11 am – 5 pm)
Where: South Street Seaport Museum (12 Fulton St)