INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

In the summer of 2020, Brittney brought together a handful of people to rename Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day in Medway.  As a member of the Nipmuc community, Brittney was well aware of the egregious history of Columbus, as well as the long-ignored history and culture of, and discrimination against, the Nipmucs.  As a former Medway student and Medway resident, she is also sensitive to Medway’s inattention to their own history.  Once the small group learned more, we became convinced that renaming the holiday was the right thing to do. 

Surprised at how much most of us do not know, we made educating Medway residents another priority.

A larger group of residents is now engaged in these efforts.

Medway's Journey

  • Winter / spring 2023 – SUCCESS!
    • More than enough signatures were collected to add an item to the warrant for the spring Town Meeting, asking that Columbus Day be renamed to Indigenous Peoples Day.
    • Article 38 was added, disapproved by the Select Board and approved by FinComm
    • ARTICLE 38: (Citizens’ Petition: Change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day) To see if the Town will vote to change the name, on all town calendars, notices & announcements including all print or digital media distributed by Town Departments, Boards and Committees, of the federal and state holiday known as “Columbus Day” to “Indigenous Peoples’ Day”. The holiday falls annually on the second Monday in October and by renaming this holiday a new holiday is not being proposed nor created. In naming the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day on all town calendars, notices, announcements, print and digital media, Medway commemorates the struggles, celebrates the resilience and contributions, and honors the wishes of the Indigenous Peoples who were the first inhabitants of these lands.
    • The article passed 144 to 88 at the May 8, 2023 Town Meeting.
    • Read more in the Milford Daily News: Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a reality in Medway. What did it take to get there?
  • November 3, 2022 – The School Committee (SC) voted to change the school calendar to Indigenous Peoples Day at a community forum.  Many people spoke up for the change with only a small number against.  The most impactful speakers were two students who brought some in the audience to tears.  Superintendent Pires referenced the students’ words in support of the change and said that Columbus Day does not reflect the values of Medway High School.  (The meeting took some… unexpected… twists and turns.  Watch the Medway Cable video.) Columbus Day does not reflect the values of the town of Medway, either, so we will continue to work towards a town-wide name change.   Many feel the state should take the lead in this endeavor, but apparently, the state is looking to the local communities to make their preferences known.
  • October 15, 2022 – Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated at the Choate Park pavilion.  The family-friendly event  included speaker Thomas Green, VP of MA Tribal Council at Ponkapoag, a Medway Public Library book display, the Medway Historical Society’s collection of books, and historical maps. Children enjoyed a story circle and art projects.
  • February 22, 2022 – The Select Board decides to consider a Native American Heritage event in November.  We appreciate the education this could bring to the community, but remain committed to offsetting Columbus Day by having an event in October.
  • January 20, 2022 – School Committee.  The Indigenous Peoples Day Committee submitted over 200 signatures in support of renaming Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples day, as well as a letter addressing all of the previously stated SC concerns.  However, the SC decided to postpone any decision.
  • January 6, 2022 – Presentation to the School Committee

    • Heather Leavell (co-founder of the Italian Americans for Indigenous Peoples Day)
    • Elizabeth Solomon (Tribal Councilor and Member of the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag)
    • Angelica Crosby (Taino/Puerto Rican, Parent of Medway Public School (MPS) students)
    • Brittney Walley (Nipmuc anti-mascot representative, MPS alumni and current resident)
    • Shawna Newcomb (Representative of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and MA public school teacher)
    • Faries Gray (Sagamore of Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag)
    • Melissa Ferretti (Chairlady and President of the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe)
    • Rhonda Anderson (Iñupiaq Athabascan Massachusetts’ Commission on Indian Affairs (MCIA))
    • Letters in support of renaming the day were sent to the School Committee.
    • The School Committee discussed renaming the holiday.  The concensus seemed to be that they would table a vote on renaming until after the budget season.  They seemed uncomfortable with taking action on this without Select Board support.
  • October 11, 2021 – Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration in a field off of Adams Street.  Several resident spoke about the importance of the day.  The children read stories and painted beautiful pictures of what they could see.

How Can You Help?

First, get educated about the Columbus Day issues and Indigenous people.  Watch videos, read books, and welcome Native Americans.

Thank you to the community who supported our efforts

Finally, please tell your legislators in Massachusetts and Washington that you support Indigenous Peoples Day, as well as other legislation supporting Native Americans.

Resources on Renaming

  • Nipmuc Indian Development Corporation (NIDC). The NIDC is a non-for-profit Massachusetts corporation created to serve the needs of the Nipmuc community.
  • The Living Presence of Our History speaker series  – Scroll to Part IV: A Conversation with Indigenous Leaders and Allies Regarding Indigenous Peoples Day
  • S2027 and H3191 – An Act establishing an Indigenous Peoples Day (Massachusetts House)
  • Indigenous Peoples Day Massachusetts is a coalition of organizations and individuals who work to get Indigenous Peoples Day legislation passed in Massachusetts and to implement celebrations.
  • MA Indigenous Agenda – The 2021-2022 Indigenous Legislative Agenda includes 5 priorities: Remove Racist Mascots, Honor Indigenous People’s Day, Celebrate and Teach Native American Culture & History, Protect Native American Heritage, and Support the Education and Futures of Native Youth.
  • Italian Americans for Indigenous Peoples Day in MA – Italians for IPD believes that a holiday that celebrates the resilience of Indigenous peoples is far more truthful and uplifting than one that honors a man whose legacy is characterized by conquest, slavery, and genocide. 

Resources on Native American Heritage Month and Day

November is Native American Heritage Month. 

The Friday after Thanksgiving (or the National Day of Mourning) is Native American Heritage Day. 

Educational Resources

Long Term Goals

  • Improve inclusion in Medway.  Make sure indigenous voices and concerns are incorporated into Medway Marches efforts.
  • Change how students learn about Native Americans.
  • Increase indigenous visibility and awareness in the community through education and celebration.