'Embody it': Indigenous Peoples' Day takes center stage on Randall's Island
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RANDALL'S ISLAND, Manhattan (PIX11) – A celebration of Indigenous culture is being held Monday in New York City.
The Indigenous Peoples Day New York City Committee is hosting a free, two-day event on Randall's Island. Organizers called it the largest Indigenous Peoples' Day commemoration event on the East Coast.
Attendees are invited to take part in indigenous culture, from trying authentic foods like fry bread to taking part in traditional drum and dance performances. Organizers also recognized the late LaDonna Brave Bull Allard, known for leading thousands of Indigenous people to protect their lands and waters against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
"I’m thrilled to be here because it means that people are willing to come together, to stand together, to learn about what Indigenous really means... how to embody it and embrace it and to live it," said Pua Case, who came from Hawaii to attend the celebration.
"I think it’s just a beautiful celebration of global Indigenous heritage and resilience and also sharing what our shared continued fights are," said IPDNYC member Chenae Bullock.
Indigenous Peoples' Day has risen as an alternative to Columbus Day celebrations in recent years.
The event on Randall's Island will start with a sunrise tobacco and water ceremony, with more events in the afternoon. For more information on the event, click here.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.