The Fall season in North America marks two holidays meaningful to Native communities. The first is Indigenous People’s Day, which is observed instead of Columbus Day in dozens of towns and states. The second is Thanksgiving. This year marks the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower, yet the role of the Wampanoag people of Massachusetts is only beginning to see serious historical study.
The evolution of these holidays mark a trend of Native scholars, writers and artists reclaiming their history and traditions. This quarter’s issue of Aperture Magazine, perhaps the world’s leading art photography journal, is guest-edited by Wendy Red Star and features works by Native artists, photographers and writers. And our partners are working with Native communities, leadership and youth to reclaim their artistic, economic and even gastronomic sovereignty.
News from our partners:
Gather, a new documentary celebrating Indigenous food systems, is the result of a three-year collaboration between the First Nations Development Institute, award-winning director Sanjay Rawal. The film is produced by actor and Hawaiian Native Jason Momoa (Aquaman, Game of Thrones) and available on iTunes.
The Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute is training the next generation of Native leaders, even as they grapple with the loss of life and disconnection caused by the pandemic. AZ Daily Sun
Grammy and Hoku-award winning Hawaiian musician Kalani Pe’a is working with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement to support musicians struggling during Covid-19. Maui News
Native stories in the national media:
Indigenous People’s Day: Everything to Know About the Holiday Largely Replacing Columbus Day Parade
Native artists take over the Fall issue of Aperture, the premiere photography journal.
Interview with Aperture guest editor and contributor Wendy Red Star in the New York Times
On the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower crossing, a new focus on the Wampanoag people of Massachusetts. Washington Post
Native American tribes are racing to complete the census before time runs out St. Louis Tribune
