We’re halfway into this year, and already, it has been a very eventful time for Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island! We have seen official attempts at accountability and reparations at both the federal and state level, as well as continuing attempts at cultural preservation. Deb Haaland, (first Native American Secretary of the Interior,) launched an inquest into the Indigenous Boarding schools which has just recently released the first volume of its findings. Meanwhile, Native American Activist Leonard Peltier remains in jail for nearly fifty years after a conviction that noted legal scholars have called “inconsistent”. In the unincorporated territory of Puerto Rico, the Taino People fight a continuing battle to correct the misconception that they are extinct and attempt to gain aid for problems that continue plaguing their people.
In more restorative and hopeful news, (after countless hours of work on the part of their descendants,) remains and artifacts of Lenape Ancestors have been returned and once more laid to rest. Meanwhile, on the west coast, the University of California has announced a program to offer free tuition to indigenous students.
This Summer IPDphilly’s Newsletter celebrates its second summer in operation (read more), and while there remains much work and political mobilization still to be done, we want to thank all of our readers for their continued support! It would be very difficult to accomplish anything without our community behind us, and we’re very grateful for all the help we’ve had so far.
Lastly, Save the Date! The sixth annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly will take place at Shackamaxon (Penn Treaty Park) on Monday, October 10, 2022, from 11 AM EDT – to 5 PM EDT. Through a celebration of art, culture, and performances, our annual event provides a space for different Indigenous communities in Philadelphia to increase awareness and encourage dialogue about Indigenous history, resilience, and strength from 500+ years of Indigenous resistance in the Americas.
The event location Shackamaxon, also known as Penn Treaty Park, is an ancestral territory of the Lenni-Lenape Peoples — the original inhabitants of Delaware, New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania. It is known as a significant place because it is where the Great Elm Tree of Shackamaxon once stood and where many sachems of the Lenni-Lenape, and other tribes from the Lenapehoking territory, would meet for council.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly is a family-friendly event that is open to the public and if you would like to attend RSVP here. If you would like to sponsor the event or lend a hand the day-off or year-round, get in touch with Manny Vasquez, Campaign Coordinator. To Donate visit here!
Sincerely,
IPD Philly – Editors
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NOTE: This publication was established in the Lenape-Unami territory known as Lenapehoking | U.S.A on Indigenous Land
