Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, together with an increasing number of states, cities, towns across the United States, is celebrating Indigenous People’s Day today— October 11, 2021. We will observe the holiday with a focus on increasing public awareness of the background, history, evolution and significance of this day.
Want to know more about Indigenous People’s Day?
The purpose of Indigenous People’s Day, which was first observed in 1990, is to celebrate the original inhabitants of North America, recognize and honor indigenous cultures, traditions and contributions throughout the world, and stand in solidarity with indigenous people and offer support to those who invest in and uplift indigenous communities.
According to this proclamation issued by the White House, “Since time immemorial, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians have built vibrant and diverse cultures — safeguarding land, language, spirit, knowledge, and tradition across the generations. On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, our Nation celebrates the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples, recognizes their inherent sovereignty, and commits to honoring the Federal Government’s trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations…. (Indigenous People’s Day 2021 White House Proclamation)
Please also read this fine article by Geoff Herbert, which provides the history of the holiday and shares the list of communities across the country that will be commemorating this important day in 2021: https://www.syracuse.com/us-news/2021/10/what-is-indigenous-peoples-day-holiday-increasingly-being-observed-along-with-or-replacing-columbus-day.html.
Boston Marathon will honor Indigenous runners today.
The winner of the 1936 Boston Marathon, Ellison “Tarzan” Brown of the Narragansett tribe, and other Indigenous champion runners, will be honored at today’s 125th Boston Marathon, as reported by Indian Country Today.
This year’s marathon was rescheduled to October 11 from April due to a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, providing a wonderful opportunity for marathon organizers, participants and fans to celebrate the running traditions and accomplishments of Indigenous people.
Read more in this inspiring story by Kalle Benallie, published in Indian Country Today:
“Boston honors Indigenous marathon runners”
Kyle Sumatzkuku, Hopi, running (photo courtesy of Duane Humeyestewa)
Eve’s Fund will continue its support of indigenous communities in every way we can!
For the past 16 years, Eve’s Fund has been privileged to work with young Native Americans living primarily on or near the Navajo Nation. Much of our work is accomplished in collaboration with national and local non-profits and other entities with similar missions, to promote hope and wellness to young Native Americans in need and their families. An area that has received increased focus during the pandemic, and will continue going forward, is our Eve’s Fund Scholarship Program. Thanks to the generosity of individuals, organizations, and foundations who believe in our mission, Eve’s Fund has expanded the number of scholarships we have funded through our local partners. We’ll share more in an upcoming e-newsletter, but please know your donations to Eve’s Fund will help change lives! Please stay tuned.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating Indigenous People’s Day 2021 and together, increasing our nation’s awareness and understanding of Indigenous People, who inspired the founding of Eve’s Fund, and whose wisdom and insights can teach us how to live life more sustainably and with optimism for the future.
Thank you for supporting our mission.
Barbara Crowell Roy
President, Eve’s Fund
Contact me here
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