5th Annual Indigenous Peoples' Day Event in New York City

RANDALL'S ISLAND, NEW YORK -

For the fifth straight year on Columbus Day weekend, the annual Indigenous Peoples' Day took place in New York City. At the event, members of multiple indigenous communities honored the passing of their ancestors following the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Caribbean. The event also gave local insight into a national debate regarding changing the name of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

More than a dozen indigenous organizations came to the event on Randall's Island in front of Icahn Stadium. Redrum Motorcycle Club, which includes members from indigenous heritage was also present.

The two-day event from Oct. 13 and 14 provided space for tents where some attendees slept inside overnight. Around sunrise, there was a ceremony paying tribute to native civilizations that were killed after the discovery of the Americas by Columbus. Photography was forbidden at this ceremony.

Afterwards, there was a water ceremony by the shore of the Harlem River. The ceremony involved attendees bringing containers of water they each collected from natural bodies of water from where they live. Then, members poured their respective water containers in the Harlem River to symbolize purifying the polluted water and to honor water as a sacred part of life.

Following the ceremony, dancers performed. Local vendors of indigenous heritage sold art, food and other items.

Camera: Nikon D90. Nikon 18-55 mm zoom lens. Nikon 70-300 mm telephoto zoom lens.

For more photos, please visit: jiminkim.org