Pictured clockwise: Rosemarie Coelho, LICSW JFS’ Chief Learning, Performance and Strategy Officer; Two Members from Nipmuc Nation, JFS’ CEO Lino Covarrubias, and Brett Lubarsky from CJP’s Jewish Teen Initiative.
The Framingham community gathered together at Farm Pond Park recently to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This day celebrates the languages, music, contributions, and resilience of the Native People. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not yet a federal holiday but hopefully will be soon! Various states and regions are impacted by Indigenous people but there has been no movement to preserve land or recognize their involvement and impact.
Speakers at this year’s event include The Mayor of Framingham, Charlie Sisitsky; Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusionary Officer Jesse Edwards; JFS CEO Lino Covarrubias; and a student speaker. Each speaker highlighted the Nipmuc Tribe’s involvement and impact in the community. They also spoke about how each community partner has worked hard to foster a great relationship with the Nipmuc Tribe, especially in the last three years. Framingham was once one of the Nipmuc Tribe’s largest territories. Lino Covarrubias spoke about the call to action and how important it is for the community to be involved to bring awareness and to continue fostering great relationships.
The Nipmuc Tribe set up a table with artifacts, books, and merchandise for the community to look at, learn. and purchase to support. After the speeches, two members of the Nipmuc Tribe asked community members to participate in an honorary stomping of the land. Many community members participated and had a wonderful time learning and immersing themselves in the Nipmuc Tribe’s culture.
Sponsors of the event included: Open Spirit, City of Framingham, Temple Beth AM, JFS of Metrowest, Jewish Teen Initiative, Temple Shir Tikva, Framingham Public Schools, United Church of Christ, Islamic Center of Boston, Nipmuc Nation, Greater Framingham Community Church, and CJP.
Thank you to everyone who made the 3rd Annual Indigenous People’s Day Event A Success!