Support Indigenous Peoples Day Newton 2026: Medicines of the Lands – Healing Through Ancestral Plants

On November 2, 2020, the Newton City Council voted to officially recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day. The 22-2 vote marked the culmination of years of advocacy, education, and grassroots organizing led by Indigenous residents of Newton and their allies. It was a historic step toward acknowledging the enduring presence, contributions, and resilience of Indigenous peoples whose histories and cultures continue to shape our communities today.

In the years since, Indigenous Peoples Day Newton (IPDN) has grown into a living expression of that work—an Indigenous-led, volunteer-run effort rooted in ceremony, education, and community connection. What began as advocacy has become a yearly gathering that brings together Indigenous artists, knowledge keepers, families, youth, and community members from across the Northeast and beyond to honor culture, land, and one another.

Since our inaugural celebration in 2021, Indigenous Peoples Day Newton has become one of the region’s largest Indigenous-led community events, creating space for remembrance, learning, and celebration in the heart of Newton.

On Monday, October 12, 2026, we will gather at Albemarle Park and Field for the 6th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Newton Ceremonial Celebration. We are once again expecting more than 1,000 attendees for a day filled with cultural exchange, learning, community, and celebration.

This year's theme, "Medicines of the Lands: Healing Through Ancestral Plants," honors the sacred relationship Indigenous peoples have maintained with the natural world since time immemorial. Across Indigenous cultures, plants have long served as medicines, foods, teachers, and relatives. Knowledge of these ancestral plants has been carefully passed from generation to generation through observation, ceremony, storytelling, and lived experience.

At a time when many people are seeking deeper connections to the earth and more holistic approaches to wellness, Indigenous knowledge offers valuable lessons about reciprocity, stewardship, and respect for all living beings. This year's celebration will highlight Indigenous perspectives on plant medicines, traditional ecological knowledge, food sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and community healing.

While many of our presenters will share cultural teachings and knowledge appropriate for public education, we also honor that some traditional teachings, ceremonies, and practices are sacred and remain protected within Indigenous communities.

Through presentations, storytelling, cultural demonstrations, music, dance, art, and interactive educational experiences, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers, artists, and educators who continue to carry these teachings forward.

Our Indigenous Peoples Day Newton Ceremonial Celebration is a free, family-friendly, outdoor event that is entirely Indigenous-led and volunteer-run. The event will feature more than 60 Indigenous artists, educators, activists, food vendors, businesses, and community organizations sharing their cultures, knowledge, and talents with the public.

This celebration is only possible through the generosity of individual donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners. Every contribution, regardless of size, directly supports the success of this event and helps ensure that Indigenous voices remain at the center of the conversation.

Your donation supports:

• Honoraria for Indigenous elders, speakers, performers, artists, and educators
• ASL interpretation and accessibility services
• Permits, insurance, and event operations
• Tent, table, and equipment rentals
• Youth cultural and educational activities
• Traditional arts and cultural programming
• Community engagement and educational outreach

By supporting Indigenous Peoples Day Newton, you are helping create a space where Indigenous histories, cultures, knowledge systems, and living traditions are honored and celebrated. Together, we can ensure that future generations continue to learn from the wisdom of the land and the teachings carried by Indigenous communities.

If you represent an organization or business interested in sponsoring the Celebration, we would love to hear from you.

Prefer to Donate by Check?

Please make checks payable to:

HUAH, Mothers Path to Ancestors, Inc.

Please write "Indigenous Peoples Day Newton" in the memo line and mail to:

HUAH, Mothers Path to Ancestors, Inc.
1751 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02445

Arikoma bu / Sulpayki / Kutâputôtamawush / Taubotne / Hahom / Thank You,

The Indigenous Peoples Day Newton Committee

Indigenous Peoples Day Newton (IPDN) is organized by HUAH, Mothers Path to Ancestors, Inc., a nonprofit organization and 501(c)(3) corporation (EIN 99-3693206).

Donations made in support of Indigenous Peoples Day Newton through HUAH, Mothers Path to Ancestors, Inc. are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Questions? Contact us at indigenouspeoplesdaynewton@gmail.com

Support Indigenous Peoples Day Newton's Ceremonial Celebration

Help us bring Indigenous voices, ancestral teachings, and the healing wisdom of the land to our community. Your support makes Indigenous Peoples Day Newton possible.