As Courtney Ireland eagerly tried a sample of “Causa de Pollo,” a Peruvian dish made by food vendor Johanetts Kitchen, she marveled at the varied offerings at Newton’s Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Monday, October 14.
“It was worth the trek,” she said while offering her 16-year-old son, Cooper, a bite. The two had traveled from Methuen to try different foods, visit vendor, and watch demonstrations and performances during Newton’s fourth-annual event.
Cooper Ireland, who is learning the Cherokee language at his high school as well as how to do the traditional art of finger weaving, was impressed by Newton’s offerings and wished his hometown held something similar.
Stephanie Arce-Villon, who works for food vendor Johanetts Kitchen, sold the traditional Peruvian appetizer called “Causa de Pollo,” at the Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremonial Celebration at Albemarle Field on Oct. 14. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Karen Clarke, a baker who works out of the nonprofit CommonWealth Kitchen, created sweet treats she sold at the Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremonial Celebration at Albemarle Field on Oct. 14. Her husband, Wendell Bonhomme, back, acted as her assistant. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Ydelca Paredes-Alejo, Lindsey Vezina, Antione Running Bear and Vesper Moore attending the Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremonial Celebration at Albemarle Field on Oct. 14, as part of the Kiva Centers, a peer support organization. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Structure erected for the Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremonial Celebration at Albemarle Field on Oct. 14. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Rhode Island resident Nancy “Daughter of the Redtail Hawk” Brown-Garcia, chief historical deputy of the Narragansett Tribe, taught crafts to children during the Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremonial Celebration at Albemarle Field on Oct. 14. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Hiawatha Brown, a member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe, led off the ceremonies at the Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at Albemarle Field on Oct. 14. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
The first Newton celebration took place in 2021, after the City Council on November 2, 2020, “voted to officially change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. The 22-2 vote was the culmination of extended advocacy and grassroots efforts by Indigenous residents of Newton and allies,” according to the event’s website. “The Indigenous Peoples Day Newton Planning Committee was founded in late 2020, right after the Newton City Council vote,” and is run entirely by volunteers.
This year, there was an impressive turnout on the damp Albemarle Field for the celebration, even with the light rain. As he has done in prior years, Hiawatha Brown, a member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe, helped announce the presentations and demonstrations.
In addition to artists selling their wares, cooks whipping up sweet and savory treats, and service providers and nonprofit organizations providing literature, there were activities for kids as well as storytelling and performances.
Under a canopy to keep materials dry, children created their own necklaces in a craft tent run by Nancy “Daughter of the Redtail Hawk” Brown-Garcia, chief historical deputy of the Narragansett Tribe. The Rhode Island resident began a necklace for a local child by hanging feathers from pipe cleaners and letting her add beads to make her own colorful piece of jewelry.
The Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremonial Celebration is a nonprofit group that hosts gatherings throughout the year and invites people to sponsor, volunteer at, and attend upcoming events.
