Framingham Indigenous Peoples' Day Event Back For Year 3

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The city's third annual Indigenous Peoples' Day event will return on Monday, officials announced.

This year's event — hosted as a collaboration between the city, Framingham Public Schools and other community groups — is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. at Farm Pond Park.

“On Indigenous People’s Day, it is important to acknowledge those who have lived on this land for centuries before European explorers arrived,” said Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky, in a statement.

“Monday is a day to celebrate Indigenous People’s resilience, strength, and history, and it is also important to remember those Indigenous People, who were forcibly removed from ancestral lands, displaced, and assimilated. It is a day for both reflection and celebration.”

Before European colonization, the region around Framingham was inhabited by the indigenous Nipmuc, the “Fresh Water People,” city officials said. They lived in settlements established alongside the Washakamaug (“eel fishing place”) or what is today called Farm Pond, making the setting for Monday's event important.

“Indigenous People Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate the culture and history of Native people, past, present, and future,” said Framingham Public Schools Superintendent Bob Tremblay.

“As a community, we must continue to acknowledge the Native American people's sacrifices and make visible their resilience and contributions to American society,” said Jesse Edwards, Framingham’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer.

Multiple speakers are slated for 1 p.m. on Monday, and the event will also include a performance and food truck on-site.