SEPTEMBER 29, 2024
Media Contact:
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly, Inc. (IPD PHILLY)
1500 Chestnut Street, Suite 2 – PMB 1106
Philadelphia PA 19102
https://ipdphilly.org | press@ipdphilly.org | Facebook, Instagram & YouTube: @ipdphilly
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Eighth Annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Event to be Held October 14
This is an in-person and live-stream event don’t miss it!
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Philly 2024 is a celebration of Indigenous communities in Philadelphia and beyond. This event will combine traditional and contemporary indigenous art, music, dance, and food to increase awareness of indigenous issues. The festivities also serve as an opportunity to discuss the strengths and history of the First Peoples of Americas.
[SEPTEMBER 29, 2024] (Philadelphia, PA) — The Eighth Annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Philadelphia, organized by Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly, Inc. (IPD Philly), will be held at Shackamaxon (Penn Treaty) Park, 1301 N Beach St, Philadelphia, PA 19125, on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 11 AM to 5 PM EDT. Join us in commemorating the remarkable strength and resilience of our communities, which have remained unwavering for over 530 years in the midst of challenges.
First, we are honored to introduce our esteemed presenters for this event. Lenape elders Curtis Zunigha and John Thomas from the Delaware Tribe of Indians, Oklahoma, will share their deep knowledge. Curtis, cofounder of the Lenape Center in New York, is presenting on the rich Lenape Cultural traditions with songs, dances, and stories. John is captivating us with his storytelling and history.
We are also honored to extend a warm welcome to Mary Ann Robins (Onondaga), the esteemed president of Circle Legacy Center, as well as Sandi Cianciulli (Lakota descent), a dedicated member of the board. They are two long time Indigenous activists who have been instrumental in the development of the Carlisle Indian School Project. The project is focusing on reclaiming land in Carlisle, Pennsylvania to build an Indigenous-led interpretive center. The center will honor the challenging history of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School (circa 1879-1918). To learn more about this amazing project, read this article in our blog. How the Legacy of the Carlisle Indian School Project Began
This year, we are also thrilled to welcome two incredible new artists. The first one, is Angela Gladue (Miss Chief Rocka). She is a Cree Nation performer, choreographer, and jewelry making whose work celebrates Indigenous culture and empowers the next generation. Secondly, we will have Ra Jikotea Niaku’no Ruiz León. She is a Taíno-Borikua artist and educator from Boriken (Puerto Rico). She has been dedicated to promote Taíno language and culture through workshops and music.
In addition, we have a line up of fabulous returning artists. This year the renowned Tchin, is preparing to share two set of his program during the day. Marcus “Quese” Frejo, a Pawnee and Seminole will again inspired us with his traditional signing, drumming, spoken words, and hip-hop. Vaughnda Hilton, founder of the The Native Nations Dance Theater, will sing and host a workshop. While Inkarayku, a fusion Andean band from New York City, is bringing traditional dancers to demonstrate their songs. Last, Canpatlaneci, a Philadelphia-based Aztec dance troupe, will bring powerful performances rooted in their Indigenous Mexican traditions.
The IPD Philly 2024 vendor line-up also reflects some of diverse geographic histories. We are featuring Kungi Sapa Moccasins & Crafts, which offers traditional Lakota leatherwork. Tenangos Philly, is showcasing Otomi-Tepehua embroidery. Nocheztli, is presenting silkscreen apparel with Indigenous motifs from Mexico and Central America. Richie Olivera Flutes, is selling Native American and South American-style flutes. Lastly, Native Crafts, is providing jewelry, clothing, and art from the Kichwa Nation.
The event location, Shackamaxon, also known as Penn Treaty Park, is within the ancestral territory of the Lenni-Lenape (Delaware) peoples. They are the original inhabitants of Delaware, New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania. The name Shackamaxon, derived from “sakimauchheen ing,” means “place to make a chief”. This was where the community would recognize family and clan chiefs. The Great Elm Tree once stood in the park. It was a significant gathering place for the Lenni-Lenape and other tribes. Today, a third-generation descendant of the tree grows in Shackamaxon.
2024 marks the fourth year since former Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenny declared Indigenous Peoples’ Day an official holiday. This was part of the city’s Pathways to Reform, Transformation, and Reconciliation initiative.
This family-friendly event is open to the public. We encourage everyone to join us for a day of celebration and education. Bring your blankets and chairs to enjoy the festivities. We will be at Shackamaxon (Penn Treaty) Park) on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 11 AM to 5 PM EDT. Entrance is PAY-AS-YOU-WISH with a suggested donation of $12 for adults , and $5 for elders 65+ and youth 12+.
To RSVP and spread the word, visit our Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/Mr2ynW1u1fB4zJxU/.
Lastly, if you cannot attend, support us by sending a tax-exempt contribution here https://ipdphilly.org/donate/, and you can watch the entire event online. In partnership with PhillyCAM, our event will be livestream on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/IPDphilly/ and on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ipdphilly
From the IPD PHILLY Team!
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About Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly, Inc
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly, Inc (IPD Philly) is an Indigenous-led 501c3 non-profit organization based in Philadelphia, PA, and was established in 2017 in the Lenape Unami territory of Lenapehoking (Southern PA and NJ). IPD Philly’s mission is to cultivate an active Native American/Indigenous presence in the city of Philadelphia through cultural, educational, and community-building initiatives. In order to uplift Native traditions, creative economies, and histories, IPD Philly’s vision is to counter historical Indigenous erasure—the deliberate and systematic destruction of Native cultures and violent displacement of Native peoples to this day. Over time, IPD Philly seeks to build stronger communication channels between the City of Philadelphia and Native constituencies.
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Event Highlights
EVENT NAME: Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly 2024
LOCATION: Shackamaxon (Penn Treaty) Park – 1301 N Beach St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
TIME: 11 AM – 5 PM EDT.
PAY-AS-YOU-WISH: Suggested donation $12 for adults , $5 for elders and youth 12+
RSVP FB EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/share/Mr2ynW1u1fB4zJxU/
TO DONATE: https://ipdphilly.org/donate
EVENT PROGRAM: https://ipdphilly.org/program2024/
MEDIA KIT ONLINE: https://ipdphilly.org/mediakit2024/
Speakers (Confirmed)
- Curtis Zunigha, a citizen of the Delaware Tribe of Indians, co-director of the Lenape Center in NYC, and long time advisor of IPD Philly.
- John Thomas, a citizen of the Delaware Tribe of Indians, and research fellow at the Collegeville University.
- MaryAnn Robins, president of the Circle Legacy Center in Lancaster, and Onondaga.
- Sandi Cianciulli, board member of Circle Legacy Center, board-secretary of IPD Philly, and of Lakhota descent.
- Eugene Black Crow, a citizen of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, director of the Lakhota Woglakapo Project, and board member of IPD Philly.
- Rep. Christopher M. Rabb, 200th District / Philadelphia County
- Mayor’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunities.
Performers (Confirmed)
- Angela Gladue (Miss Chief Rocka) (Cree / Hoop dancer)
- Ra (Boriken Taino / hip-hop artist)
- Curtis Zunigha (Lenape / Cultural producer)
- Tchin (Indigenous Storyteller)
- Canpatlaneci (Aztec Dance Troupe)
- Inkarayku (Quechua Fusion Band)
- Vaughnda Hilton (Founder of Native Nations Dance Theater)
- Marcus “Quese IMC“ Frejo (Pawnee, Seminole / Multi-Talented Artist)
Storytelling & Activities (Confirmed)
- “The Magic of Storytelling” by Tchin at the Storytelling-Making Booth
- “Basic Bead-Making Bracelets” by Vaughnda Hilton at the Storytelling-Making Booth
- “Lenape Curriculum” info-booth by the Lenape Center
- “Carlisle Indian School Project” info-booth by Circle Legacy
- “Andean Music” info-booth by Inkarayku
Vendors (Confirmed)
- Jewelry by Angela Gladue (Miss Chief Rocka) – (Cree)
- Kungi Sapa Moccasins & Crafts – (Oglala Lakota)
- Claudette Bryant – (Shinnecoke)
- Nocheztli – (Native Mexican / Zapotec)
- Tenangos Philly – (Native Mexican / Otomi)
- Kichwas Arts – (Native Ecuadorian)
- Richie Olivera Flutes – (Native Peruvian)
- Native Crafts – (Native Ecuadorian / Kichwa)
- Canpatlaneci Merchandise – (Native Mexican, Central and South American)
- Maki Arts – (Native Ecuadorian)
City Sponsors
- Philadelphia Parks & Recreations
- Mayor’s Office Of Community Empowerment and Opportunity
Event Sponsors
- Rivers Casino
- PHILADELPHIA250
- Quechua Program at Penn
- Penn Language Center
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Walk Around Philadelphia
Media Partner
Community Partners
Event Funding
- The Philadelphia Cultural Funds
- Quakers Fund for Indigenous Communities
- Bread & Roses Community Funds
- Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
- WingspanPA (Funding for this grant is made possible with the generous support from Spring Point Partners, and additional funding from PA Humanities, individual donors and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
- Philadelphia’s Cultural Treasures (A regional effort of the larger national initiative from the Ford Foundation funded by the William Penn Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, The Barra Foundation, The Neubauer Family Foundation, and The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage)
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