Why should you support Indigenous People’s Day?

You can help us raise awareness to a new, emerging event in the Berkshires - and within the next three years, all around the Northeast- Indigenous People’s Day

First of all, observing Indigenous People’s Day is a step toward truth and reconciliation with indigenous people.  Acknowledging the dark past is not an exercise in guilt or shame - quite the opposite,  truth and reconciliation sparks a discussion, and instills a sense of living history, it moves us from being a passive observer to establishing relationships and connections.  It’s empowering for everyone.  Moreover, truth and reconciliation is a key step in building civic engagement.  As Stacey McKenna writes:

“coming to terms with the past may be key to building a more civil society going forward. If the increasingly diverse and widespread protests against police brutality and systemic racism are any indication, we are ready.”  

Second, truth and reconciliation with indigenous people right here in the Berkshires reinforces a local pride based on integrity. At Indigineous People’s Day this year, there will be representatives from the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans and an opportunity to hear from them, to engage with them on their ancestral lands - the land we love here in the Berkshires.  The Berkshires is home to incredible flora and fauna, and a vibrant culture of food, agriculture and the arts. The Berkshires we love is a “land-based heritage.” Indigenous cultures have been present in the Berkshires for thousands of years. It is invigorating to acknowledge the ancestral connections to our mountains, rivers and valleys. 

On a deeper, more intuitive level, observing Indigenous People’s Day is a part of systemic healing - an embodied attitude of care, respect and reciprocity.  Connecting with indigenous culture creates the experiential basis for healing.  

Alliance for a Viable Future (AVF) honors indigenous voices as role models in the work of climate leadership.  An intelligent response to our climate emergency needs more than technical solutions. We must cultivate a respectful attitude rooted in our commitment to care for nature and all people. To do this, we must widen our circle of collaboration and partnership, to not only include indigenous people, but to learn from them and follow their lead. 

AVF brings together a network of indigenous creators, spiritual leaders, activists and thought-leaders to engage citizens throughout the Berkshires and the entire Northeast in a collective effort to amplify our bioregional climate leadership. Our climate emergency requires grassroots solutions - individuals, organizations and businesses working hand-in-hand, with each other, to solve local problems and fuel positive impact.  

If you would like to become a sponsor, please donate.

For more information on our Indigenous People’s Day - Berkshires Schedule, click here.  

Thank you for considering this opportunity.

Best wishes,

Jeff Wallman, Executive Director
Lev Natan, Founding Director