Department of Racial and Social Justice Shares Statement on Indigenous Peoples Day

Statement on Indigenous Peoples Day 2024 
On Monday, October 14, 2024, Somerville – which stands on the traditional lands of the Pawtucket, Wampanoag, and Naumkeag Peoples – will join cities nationwide in commemorating Indigenous Peoples Day. On this day, and always, Somerville honors the historical, cultural, and contemporary contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Somerville and throughout the Americas. We cherish the descendants of these original inhabitants who enrich our community with their knowledge, creativity, and heritage.  

The City of Somerville was incorporated in 1842 – more than two hundred years after the Massachusetts Bay Colony acquired the land from Indigenous populations. This land not only included Somerville but also included land in parts of what is now Arlington, Charlestown, Winchester and Medford. 

To read the full statement and learn more about how to honor Native American Heritage Month visit RSJ's homepage.