For Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Native American Heritage Month, as well as year-round.
As we abide by this year’sIndigenous Peoples ’ Dayon Monday , October 10 — which was formally recognized as anational vacation in 2021 — and the upcomingNational American Indian Heritage Monthin November , we are reminded of the knockout , strength , and historical import of the First Peoples across the res publica .
And within the five boroughs , it ’s also important to make out that we New Yorkers presently reside on what was once the soil of theLenapepeoples calledLenapehokingor Manhatta ( which means “ hilly island ” ) . Centuries later and after undergo involuntary displacement , theLenapeDiaspora is mostly found in Oklahoma , Wisconsin , and Ontario , but their impact in the Northeast is still very much feel and see .
From one-year Indigenous Peoples ’ Clarence Day events like an all - day , performance - packed assemblage on Randall ’s Island or a poetry reading ( plus nature hike ) on Staten Island , to year - round of golf programming host by world - renowned institution , there are passel of ways to expand our knowledge and pay respects to the realm ’s original denizen . Here are some ways to celebrate the legacy and culture of autochthonous multitude in NYC this year .
“Native New York” exhibit at The National Museum of the American Indian|Photo courtesy of C&G Partners
Attend a poetry reading and hike at a nature preserve
Saturday , October 8 , 2 pm–4 pmCharlestonThis weekend , take to the great outdoors at theClay Pit Ponds State Park Preservein Staten Island ’s Charleston neighborhood for a easygoing wage increase plus poetry reading . Held at the nature preserve’sInterpretive Center , the stave ofStaten Island OutLOUD(a residential area organization that host literary readings and performances ) will recite from a assembling of works by aboriginal American poet keep an eye on by a mile - long perambulation around the 265 - acre grounds — which are well known as historical Lenape lands . Cost : Registry is free
Contribute to an ancestral altar and enjoy musical performances
Sunday , October 9 , 2 pmColumbus CircleOn the margin of Midtown and the Upper West Side , the well - be intimate traffic circle and parking lot , Columbus Circle , is the annual home ofThe NYC Indigenous Day of Remembrance . In oppositeness of the Christopher Columbus memorial , which sit at the center of the property , the event gathers for its 15th edition this Sunday to honor Indigenous ancestry and seek Justice Department for First Peoples across the nation . programing includes the singing of hereditary songs , tympan performances , and speeches from community member . donation for the on - land site Lord’s table like yield , germ , shells , and herbs are encouraged . Cost : Attendance is innocent
Check out one of the Northeast’s largest Indigenous celebrations
Sunday , October 9 – Monday , October 10Randall ’s IslandClaiming the title as one of the big autochthonic celebrations in the Northeast , The 8th Annual Indigenous Peoples ’ Day Celebrationin NYC gasconade two days of culture , music , saltation , food for thought , and traditional ceremony on Randall ’s Island . cobalt - founded bySutton King , the United States President of theUrban Indigenous Collectiveand co - founder ofShockTalk , andCliff Matias , the cultural director ofRedhawk Native American Arts Council , guests can attend everything from poesy version and activism speeches to a lively concert and water supply ceremonial occasion . Among the on - internet site vendors , there is a range of nutrient stands and locally made goods like wear fromOjala Threads . Cost : liberal for debut
Peruse rare exhibits and film screenings at a world-renowned museum
Year - roundFinancial DistrictSince 1994 , the Smithsonian’sNational Museum of the American Indianhas been a hub for the history and deeper understanding of aboriginal peoples from the early prison term to present day . Located in the more - than - a - one C - honest-to-goodness Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House , the museum feature year - bout exhibits , dance and music performances , children ’s programs , film screenings , and more . Upcomingeventsinclude theOnsite Educators ’ Open House , which is a curated circuit of the verandah led by the museum ’s education team on Monday , October 10 , from 11 am–4 pm , as well as the2022 Native Cinema Showcase , which is held from November 18–25 and spotlight Indigenous film maker . Cost : ledger entry and events are costless
Participate in community-based programming like a sunrise prayer
Year - roundChinatownAs a community - based organisation created to support Native Americans and promote intercultural savvy , the American Indian Community House has been a safe space and informational lighthouse in New York City ’s Chinatown for more than 50 year . In accession to freeonline programminglike the Elders Storytelling Series and Womxn ’s assembly , the nonprofit is composed of member from more than 70 tribes that take part and uplift local events including asunrise prayerin Central Park on Monday , October 10 at 7 am . Keep tab key on the website’seventspage for more upcoming programs .
Support Native American artists through song, dance, and theater
Year - roundBorough ParkAt the kernel of theRedhawk Native American Arts Council , the charge is to plump for aboriginal American artists and fine art educators in the NYC metro area through song , saltation , theater , and more . Founded in 1994 , the organisation ’s upcoming happenings also weigh in on contemporary issues such as clime change , water system rights , and domain conservation with in - personcoursesincluding the dark-green - livelihood and variety programme . Additionally , the Redhawk Native American Arts Council is behind a few of the largest Indigenousheritage celebrationsincluding the upcomingIndigenous Peoples ’ Day Celebrationon Randall ’s Island and the Bear Mountain Native American Celebration , which is agree each class during August at Harriman State Park .
Donate goods and then pull up to an awards show
class - roundWest VillageEstablished in 1998 , The National Association of Native American Music fete the plentiful melodious heritage of the Carry Amelia Moore Nation ’s First Peoples through a range of virtual programs , fundraiser , and city - wide initiatives . On the governance ’s schedule , visitors will get hold mental health awareness benefits , vacation toy drives , and official document donations for veterans with PTSD . That being said , the mavin of the show is the annualNAMA Awards Show(held this year in New York ’s Niagara Falls ) , which consists of a vivacious eventide gala on the even of November 19 where Native American creative person , criminal record labels , and producers are foreground and praise for their work . Cost : NAMA Awards Showticketsfrom $ 77
Stock up on crystals and good energy on Christopher Street
Year - roundWest VillageFor proprietor Yolanda Miller , her Cherokee and Aztec heritage is at the forefront of her crystal entrepot , Stick Stone & Bone . Since gap in 1990 , this eclectic shop on Christopher Street has provided the West Village with a huge array of new mineral , jewellery , incense , candles , and more , source from Native American artists , craftspersons , and business . Peruse the ledge and table of fulgid wares or opt for a convenient Manifestation and Intention package like the House Clearing and Blessing Kit , which provide energetic purification .
Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration|Photo courtesy of Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
The National Museum of the American Indian George Gustav Heye Center in New York City|Photo by David Sundberg
American Indian Community House
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration|Photo courtesy of Redhawk Native American Arts Council
Stick Stone & Bone
