#RecognizeIndigenousPeoplesDayNYC

Believe it or not, the largest city in the United States has yet to officially recognize Indigenous people’s day yet it is the #1 city that holds the largest population of Indigenous Peoples in the country. Despite the State of New York recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day, and New York City acknowledging it in the public school system. Not recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day is a continuation perpetuation of genocide on Indigenous Peoples. 

Indigenous Peoples have-for the longest time-faced an uphill battle in speaking up and taking action to get their local governments to recognize Indigenous People’s Day. These challenges arise from the deliberate misinterpretation of history by mainstream society, which celebrates Christopher Columbus as a hero who traversed the Atlantic and “discovered” the “New World”. However, the truth is that starting with the Taíno, he led the enslavement, punishment, torture, rape, and slaughtering of Indigenous Peoples who failed to heed his demands and meet his expected service. The skewed view of history has resulted in the continued psychological oppression of Native Americans who have called Turtle Island (North America) home for generations.

The second Monday of October is celebrated as Columbus Day by many people, but this holiday is rooted in inaccuracy and celebrates a tragic history of genocide and violence against the Indigenous Peoples of this country and all of the Americas.

Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, New Mexico, Maine, and South Dakota have officially designated the second Monday of October, the federal Columbus Day holiday, as Indigenous Peoples Day, joining an increasing number of localities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, Minneapolis, and Seattle, that made the change.

New York’s Woodstock, Akron, Newstead, Ithaca, Rhinebeck, Rochester, and Triangle, also recognize Indigenous People's Day. New York City is the largest and most influential city in this country, and it should lead on this important issue.

 Prominent historians have heavily documented Christopher Columbus’ vast legacy of violence, slavery, and oppression of Indigenous Peoples. It is a critical time in our nation’s history where we must acknowledge facts. Celebrating Columbus Day continues the cross-generational historic trauma being perpetrated against Indigenous Peoples' communities and continues promoting genocide.

Recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day as a holiday in New York City serves as an opportunity for New Yorkers to learn even more about the cultural history associated with the Indigenous Peoples of this region and the land on which we live. It allows us to celebrate diversity while recognizing our similarities in a time when we see increasing human rights violations against our communities and assaults against the very environments our Peoples need to survive.

New York City’s adoption of Indigenous Peoples Day would contribute greatly to the healing of America’s Indigenous Peoples' communities. It would honor Indigenous resilience, strength, and ongoing contributions to American culture and history. Indigenous Peoples, and in particular, their voices are more important now than ever. Indigenous Peoples are leading the way on current, urgent issues like the growing call for greater environmental awareness and protection.

This year marks the 9th year that Indigenous Peoples of the Greater New York City area will join together on Randall’s Island, New York to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day. These Indigenous Peoples, via their leaders and respective organizations are requesting that New York City officially declare the second Monday of October to be Indigenous Peoples Day in order to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of the First Peoples of this land.

This year we will celebrate 3-days of Indigenous Peoples' culture, music, song, dance, food, ceremony and prayer on Randall’s Island, New York. It will begin Oct Saturday, October 7 through Monday 9th.  On Oct 9th there will be a sunrise ceremony and water ceremony. To learn more visit IPDNYC

This petition is fully supported by various Indigenous Tribal Nations of New York. This petition is also fully supported by respected Indigenous Peoples organizations of the area who have been working diligently and standing together in solidarity for many years to request New York City #RecognizeIndigenousPeoplesDay

The Indigenous Peoples Day Committee of NYC includes the following: Redhawk Native American Arts Council; United Confederation of Taíno People;  Redrum First Nations MC; Redspirit RC; Schaghticoke First Nations; NA OIWI NYC; Urban Indigenous Collective; Moskehtu Consulting

Please help take virtual action to let the New York City Mayor's Office, New York City Council, and the State of New York know that you support this issue! Write your own message about why you believe this is an important issue! Please use the hashtag #recognizeindigenouspeoplesdaynyc

This petition was written by Chenae Bullock, a member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and descendant of the Montauk tribe of Long Island, New York in collaboration with The Indigenous Peoples Day Committee of NYC .