by Amy Covell-Murthy, Archaeology Collection Manager and Head of the Section of Anthropology
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed in many US cities and states alongside Columbus Day, and I would like to suggest some ways to observe the holiday for those who do not claim Indigenous heritage. As the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) liaison at Carnegie Museum of Natural History (CMNH), I have the privilege of working closely with Indigenous people and communities on the research, repatriation, and standards of care for the cultural assemblages stewarded in the collection. It is my absolute pleasure to help provide a platform for authentic voices and Indigenous ways of knowing to be brought into the narratives, policies, and protocols that shape our vision for the future of the museum.
In a state like Pennsylvania with no habitable federally recognized Indigenous land, Native people are all too often seen as existing only in the past, but many First Nations people live, work, and play right alongside us in the Greater Pittsburgh Area and beyond. Indigenous Peoples’ Day should not be a memorial, but a recognition of the important history and cultural heritage of those who are the past, present, and future caretakers of this land.
Photo by: John E Rodgers/Ogahpah Communications
Likewise, museum exhibits should reflect the present and future of Indigenous people, not only the past. The first iteration of a new exhibit series in the Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians opens on October 13 to commemorate repatriation work with the Quapaw Nation. Co-curators Betty Gaedtke and Carrie Vee Wilson worked together to bring their first-person stories to this new showcase that they have chosen to call Keeping Traditions Alive. Visiting the exhibit or one in your area is an excellent way to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Here are some more ways to respectfully celebrate on October 14, 2024.
Learn About the People Who Have Called Pittsburgh Home
Many different cultural groups have occupied the Upper Ohio River Valley including but not limited to the Delaware/Lenape, the Haudenosaunee, the Shawnee, and the Wyandotte. The Osage Nation also claims origin in the Ohio River Valley, and you can learn about all these nations on their official websites. I also suggest hitting up your local library to check out books on these groups as well as the cultural traditions and ancestors who came before them. This region was home to those who are often referred to as the Adena, Hopewell, and Monongahela. But keep in mind, we have no idea what they called themselves.
Here are some resources:
Educate Yourself About Indigenous History in Pennsylvania
Many First Pennsylvanians were forced from their homelands and infected with unfamiliar diseases by colonizers. Later the first assimilation school was created in Carlisle, PA and used as a model for 24 more of these institutions whose primary goal was to force Indigenous children to abandon their Native languages and customs. In the 1960s, the building of the Kinzua Dam forced Seneca Nation citizens to move into the State of New York, breaking the 1794 Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Indigenous communities thrive despite these events and institutions, but it is important to recognize and not try to hide these gruesome parts of our shared American history. You can find more information about these examples on these websites:
Kinzua Dam – Seneca Iroquois National Museum
Removal History of the Delaware Tribe
Indian Boarding Schools’ Traumatic Legacy, And The Fight To Get Native Ancestors Back
Support Local Indigenous Groups
The Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center (COTRAIC) is a regional intertribal nonprofit that promotes the socio-economic development of the Native American community and others who experience the same type of economic difficulties in the Greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area. One way to support them is to plan to attend their annual Pow Wow that is held in Dorseyville, just outside of Pittsburgh, in late September. Learn more about their Early Childhood Education, Native American Elders, Veterans, and Employment programs at COTRAIC.org and on their Facebook page.
COTRAIC’s Singing Winds Food Pantry is an excellent resource to help people meet their food needs. Learn more, donate, or sign up to receive support from the food pantry.
Honor the Land
Planting Native Pennsylvanian plants is a wonderful way to honor our connection to the Earth and to provide food and shelter for the diverse species who live here. You can learn about how Indigenous People use trees, ferns, flowers, vegetables, fruits, and grasses to enhance their quality of life. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania offer suggestions for those who are interested.
Support Indigenous Artists, Authors, Film Makers, and Musicians
You have so many options! The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation released a list of Indigenous musical artists to watch out for in 2024. My personal favorite this year is Sekawnee. Check out their video for the song “Nations” with frequent collaborators, Chasé Scanz and EfrainYB.
Check out the Sundance Institute Indigenous Program that champions Indigenous-created stories in a global scale.
The New York Public Library posted a wonderful resource for finding recent works by Indigenous authors.
You can also support Indigenous artists by purchasing art through the online gift shop of the Seneca Iroquois National Museum/Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center or take a drive up to purchase something in person and see the new longhouse that they’ve built behind the museum.
Help Change Derogatory Mascots and Place Names
Sign petitions, attend community forums, and advocate for the changing of harmful stereotypes and offensive signage in our community. From the Cleveland Guardians to Hemlock Hollow Road, there are many instances of this happening around us.The Haudenosaunee Nationals Lacrosse Team, who hope to make it to the 2028 Olympics, changed their name in 2022 to reflect their collective identity.
Consider Donating Time or Resources
The Seneca Iroquois National Museum/ Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center is only a few hours’ drive from Pittsburgh and occasionally may be looking for volunteers. Check their website and follow their Instagram and Facebook accounts for more information.
If you are able, here are just a few organizations who can use your help.
Advancing Indigenous People in STEM
Native American Agriculture Fund
Association of American Indian Affairs
So, join me once again in celebrating the cultural diversity of Indigenous People throughout the history of our region. Remember that the best places to start educating yourself are local libraries and museums here in Pittsburgh or wherever you live.
Amy L. Covell-Murthy (she/her) is the Archaeology Collection Manager/Head of the Section of Anthropology at Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History Blog Citation Information
Blog author: Covell-Murthy, AmyPublication date: October 10, 2024
