We take this day to honor all Indigenous Peoples’ past, present, and future, including the Massachusett tribe who first inhabited the Shawmut Peninsula, where many Now + There projects have occurred.
We acknowledge the painful history of forced removal, violence, and racism Indigenous Peoples have suffered, and the injustices they continue to experience today. Like many American cities, Boston’s wealth and legacy were built on Colonialism, erasure, and the oppression of people. We recognize this and the deliberate and systemic oppression that has created a legacy of urban renewal and transit disinvestment, further forcing people from their homelands.
Within these systems and with these acknowledgments, Now + There commits to co-creating bold, contemporary artworks that open minds, spaces, and conversations with the aim of creating a more vibrant and equitable city. We know our work will be flawed, and as much as we try to avoid it, we will misstep because this field is ever-changing, expanding, and evolving. We encourage our partners and audiences to work alongside us, provide feedback and hold us accountable for imagining new models of cultural production.
On this Indigenous Peoples’ Day, may we recognize and honor the traditions and wisdom first peoples have carried to this present day. And may we stand with them to create equality for all Indigenous people throughout the world.
Looking for ways to observe Indigenous People’s Day? Check out this list compiled by Indigenous Peoples Day MA and Italian Americans for Indigenous Peoples Day.
Photo: Staff photo of Claudia Comte’s Five Marble Leaves.