We as people who reside, work, and engage in Wellesley acknowledge this town is located on the traditional territory of the Massachusett Tribe. Learn more about Native Land.
In honor of Indigenous Peoples, the Committee for Indigenous Peoples Day Wellesley is excited to offer the Honor Indigenous Peoples Day yard sign! This sign to be displayed on your yard is part of the movement to honor Indigenous Peoples by voting YES on Question #1 in Wellesley’s Annual Town Election on March 2, 2021.
World of Wellesley, together with community members, put forth Citizen’s Petition 42 to Support the Establishment of Indigenous Peoples Day in Wellesley.
That the Town of Wellesley, with the understanding that since 1977 Indigenous people of our country have requested Indigenous Peoples Day as a recognition of their humanity, culture and history and with the understanding that our country was built on Native lands, shall join the growing number of cities, towns, and states that have chosen to honor this request. Town Meeting shall go on record to state that the Town of Wellesley, on the second Monday of October, will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day as the official holiday and that the Town of Wellesley shall cease to recognize Columbus Day as a publicly sanctioned holiday in Wellesley. See complete warrant.
Wellesley's Advisory Committee voted 8-2 in favor of this petition and Town Meeting voted 63% in favor but first added an amendment requiring a town-wide vote. Testimony for Citizens Petition to honor Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day starts around 1:49 (or click link below).
We encourage you to learn more about Indigenous Peoples, Columbus, the history of Wellesley and the United States.
Pending legislation in Massachusetts, H.3665—Act establishing an Indigenous People’s Day, would establish IPD as a statewide holiday. Becca Rausch, whose district includes parts of Wellesley, is a proud co-sponsor. Learn more at Indigenous Peoples Day Massachusetts andItalian Americans for Indigenous Peoples Day Massachusetts.
We as people who reside, work, and engage in Wellesley acknowledge this town is located on the traditional territory of the Massachusett People.