Reclaiming Indigenous Identity: A Celebration of Resilience and Representation

For those gathering at an Indigenous Peoples' Day event on Monday, it's a celebration, but also the continuation of a long hard battle. Five years ago, Sutton King and others launched Urban Indigenous Collective, with the goal of addressing the needs of indigenous people in the city. While the day is not officially recognized as a holiday by the city, many in attendance hope their advocacy and visibility help to change that.

Empowering the Urban Indigenous Community

Honoring Resilience and Survival

The Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration is a powerful moment of reflection and pride for the urban indigenous community. "It's a day that we remember our resilience and the survival of our communities, and we honor that," says Cachina Wakinyan. The event serves as a reminder of the enduring strength and determination of indigenous peoples, who have persevered through centuries of oppression and marginalization.For many attendees, the day holds deep personal significance. "At the deepest level, this day represents a culmination of every blood memory that exists within my being. It is an existence and a full manifestation of over 500 years of genocide," shares Eduardo Bravo, underscoring the profound historical context that underpins the celebration.

Asserting Visibility and Representation

The Indigenous Peoples' Day event is also a powerful statement of presence and representation. "We're here. We're representing our people. We're not going anywhere," declares Lana Washinawtok, echoing the sentiments of many in the community. The day serves as a platform to amplify the voices and experiences of indigenous people, who have long been marginalized and underrepresented in mainstream society.U.S. Census data reveals that the city is home to the largest urban Native American population in the country, with nearly 200,000 people, or 2% of the population. However, Sutton King, the co-founder of Urban Indigenous Collective, notes that culturally appropriate health care and advocacy for urban natives is often lacking. "When we look at the data, when we look at the statistics, we know we have some of the worst health outcomes in comparison to our white counterparts," she says, highlighting the persistent disparities that the community faces.

Building Community and Expanding Services

The Indigenous Peoples' Day event is not just a celebration, but also a platform for community-building and advocacy. Five years ago, King and others launched the Urban Indigenous Collective, with the goal of addressing the unique needs of indigenous people living in the city. "Now that we have the center, we're ready to expand to direct services," King says, referring to the community center that opened last year in Midtown.Part of the event's goal is to raise funds for the community center, which serves as a hub for cultural activities, educational programs, and social services. By strengthening their physical presence and expanding their offerings, the Urban Indigenous Collective aims to better support the diverse needs of the urban indigenous population.

Advocating for Recognition and Change

While the Indigenous Peoples' Day event is a joyous celebration, it is also a continuation of a long-standing struggle for recognition and change. The day itself is a counter to Columbus Day, a holiday that many indigenous people view as a painful reminder of colonization and the erasure of their history.For those in attendance, the event is a powerful statement of their resilience and a call for greater representation and inclusion. "We're not just honoring one tribe; this is for all of us," says Wakinyan, underscoring the inclusive and unifying nature of the celebration.Despite the lack of official recognition from the city, the organizers and attendees of the Indigenous Peoples' Day event remain steadfast in their commitment to advocating for change. Through their visibility, their advocacy, and their unwavering spirit, they hope to inspire a shift in the public consciousness and pave the way for greater recognition and support for the urban indigenous community.