Episcopal churches and dioceses mark October 14 as Indigenous Peoples Day with a variety of services and events – Episcopal News Service

People celebrate the first Indigenous Peoples of the Americas parade in New York in 2022. The third annual parade is scheduled for October 14 this year. Photo: Reuters

(Episcopal News Service) Indigenous Peoples Day is Oct. 14 this year, and a number of states, cities and other entities — including the Episcopal Church — are celebrating it in place of the federal holiday Columbus Day.

In 2022, the General Convention called on all Episcopal bodies to designate Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day. In addition, all dioceses, parishes, missions and other institutions were asked to designate a day in honor of indigenous and Indian brothers and sisters.

The Episcopal Church's Office of Indigenous Ministries celebrates the longstanding presence and influence of Native Americans in the history of the Episcopal Church. Indigenous Ministries advocates for the full inclusion of Indigenous people in the life and governance of the Church and also provides a variety of resources available to all bishops.

The Rev. Bradley S. Hauff is the Episcopal Church's missionary for indigenous ministries and a member of the presiding bishop's staff. Rev. Mary Crist is the Coordinator of Indigenous Theological Education for the Episcopal Church.

The idea for Indigenous Peoples Day came about in 1977, according to National Public Radio, when indigenous peoples proposed it during a United Nations conference to combat discrimination against indigenous peoples. South Dakota was the first state to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day in 1989, and today it is celebrated in several states and cities.

In 2021, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. became the first president of the United States to make a statement proclaiming Indigenous Peoples Day. Citing the vibrant and diverse Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian cultures, he issued similar proclamations in 2022 and 2023 and is expected to do the same this year.

Below is a list of some Episcopal events on Indigenous Peoples Day. All times are local. Find out about other events from local dioceses and parishes online.

The Episcopal Diocese of Maine has developed People's Prayers for Indigenous Peoples Day that can be used by any church or diocese.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church – On October 13th at 8:30 and 10 a.m., St. Luke's, Bethesda, Maryland will celebrate and honor Indigenous brothers and sisters.

St. David's Episcopal Church – On October 13 at 4:30 p.m., St. David's, Baltimore, Maryland, will offer an afternoon of music commemorating Indigenous Peoples Day. Entrance is at 4 p.m

The event begins with a concert by Choctaw guitarist Alexander Lassa performing portions of Choctaw composer Charles Shadle's “Wheelock Variations” based on Choctaw hymns, followed by A Service of Evensong with the St. David's Choir, including Music by Andrew Balfour (Cree). and Connor Chee (Dine).

The event is free and open to the public. A suggested donation of $10 to $20 will directly benefit the musicians and the music series. The event will also be livestreamed via Facebook and YouTube.

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church – The choir of St. Barnabas, Irvington, New York, will sing a setting of the Lakota lullaby “Chante Waste Hoksila” (My Kind-Hearted Boy) in the Lakota language, arranged by composer Linthicum, at the service on October 13 at 10 a.m Blackhorse.

The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts – The diocese's annual Indigenous Peoples Day celebration will be held Oct. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be hosted by Christ Church, Andover. There will also be a children's program for 5-10 year olds from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m

The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia – The Diocese of Virginia is sponsoring Richmond Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 14 from 1 to 7 p.m. in Powhatan Hill. The primary purpose of the annual Richmond Celebration is to expand educational opportunities and awareness for Richmonders and Virginians of all ages about the history, culture and future of Virginia's Indian tribes. The event celebrates the history and culture of Virginia's 11 federally recognized Indian tribes and draws special attention to one tribe each year. In 2023, the event honored the Mattaponi Indian Tribe, and this year the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe will be honored.

— Melodie Woerman is a freelance reporter for the Episcopal News Service based in Kansas.