Department of Racial and Social Justice

Indigenous Peoples Day

Statement on Indigenous Peoples Day 2024

On Monday, October 14, 2024, Somerville – which stands on the traditional lands of the Pawtucket, Wampanoag, and Naumkeag Peoples – will join cities nationwide in commemorating Indigenous Peoples Day. On this day, and always, Somerville honors the historical, cultural, and contemporary contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Somerville and throughout the Americas. We cherish the descendants of these original inhabitants who enrich our community with their knowledge, creativity, and heritage.  

The City of Somerville was incorporated in 1842 – more than two hundred years after the Massachusetts Bay Colony acquired the land from Indigenous populations. This land not only included Somerville but also included land in parts of what is now Arlington, Charlestown, Winchester and Medford.

Our history reports that the land was honorably purchased in 1639. The recorded sale—21 coats, roughly 7,000 beads, and 210 pounds of corn—reflects a system of dispossession, not a fair exchange. The outdated claim ignores the true cost of colonization. Land was traded under unjust systems, not honorably acquired. We acknowledge the deep loss and displacement inflicted on Indigenous communities during the City’s founding.  

For over eighty years, Columbus Day has overshadowed the painful realities of colonization. The world Columbus "discovered" was neither new nor uninhabited, and his arrival brought immense suffering.

As we observe Indigenous Peoples Day, Somerville re-commits to the ongoing protection of Native American funerary items, sacred artifacts, and cultural objects from exploitation and profit. We celebrate the resilience of Indigenous Peoples while confronting the ongoing effects of colonialism, genocide, and racism that continue to affect them.

We invite all residents and friends of our community to reflect on the significance of this day and participate in local events.  
 

There are a range of events and activities throughout our region celebrating and honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Native American Heritage Month. The events listed below are free and open to the public.

Online Resources:

• https://www.ohchr.org/en/indigenous-peoples/e-learning-tool-rights-indigenous-peoples
• United American Indians of New England - UAINE
• Home | Native Knowledge 360° - Interactive Teaching Resources (si.edu)
• https://www.mfa.org/event/open-house/indigenous-peoples-day
• https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/informational/columbus-day-myths
• https://plimoth.org/plan-your-visit/explore-our-sites/historic-patuxet

In-Person Events:

October 12th, 2024 | 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Social | 9 p.m. - 11 p.m. After Party

• The City of Boston is hosting an Indigenous Peoples’ Social and Dance event.
• Location: 105 South Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130  
• Contact: info@naicob.org or 617-232-0343

October 13th, 2024 | 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

• The Indigenous Center at Tufts University is hosting an Indigenous People’s Day event.  
• Location: The Residential Quad, 180 Packard Ave. Medford, MA 02155 
• Contact: isot@tufts.edu   

October 14th, 2024 | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• The Museum of Fine Arts is offering free admission (first come first serve basis) to the museum and a series of workshops centered around indigenous art and culture.
• Location: 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
• https://www.mfa.org/event/open-house/indigenous-peoples-day  

October 17th, 2024 | 11 a.m.

• Berklee College of Music is hosting their annual Indigenous People’s Day Event. The event is free to all.
• Location: The Red Room at Cafe 939. 939 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02115 
• https://college.berklee.edu/liberal-arts/events/indigenous-peoples-day-…  

October 21st, 2024 | 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• City of Somerville’s West Branch Library's Children's Room is participating in the Mass Center for the Book's 2024 Great Reads from Great Places book box program. The book is Colonization and the Wampanoag Story.  
• Location: Somerville Public Library - West Branch - 40 College Avenue, Somerville, MA 02144
• https://somervillepubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/family-…

Initiatives

The City of Somerville is committed to eliminating institutional and structural racism and its intersections with other forms of oppression. The work of the RSJ Department has prioritized five key areas:

• Public Safety for All
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Commissions (SCPD, SCW, HRC)
• Hate-Bias Incidents Complaint Process
• Creating Structures for Equity

Accessibility Services & ADA Compliance

File a Complaint or Request

Commissions

The RSJ Department oversees and supports the work of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), the Somerville Commission for Women (SCW), and the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) through staff attendance and participation in monthly meetings, activities, and events. Any questions on these commissions should be directed to Latoya Saulters, Commissions Coordinator at lsaulters@somervillema.gov, or (857) 274-2719.

Get Involved & Stay Informed

1) Contact us: Text the RSJ Department at 781-808-7502 or email rsj@somervillema.gov.
 

2) Sign up for the City Newsletter for announcements and updates.

RSJ Open Data