By Theresa Knapp 

The Medway Public Library is offering a program related to Indigenous Peoples’ Day including “The Forgotten Nations: Native Tribes of New England” on Oct. 13, and “Water Protection Rights and Spirituality” on Oct. 18. 

Both are virtual events. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. 

“This program will be informative and valuable to anyone who wants to learn about the history of Indigenous Peoples in the Northeast,” says library director Margaret Perkins. “We are grateful to the Friends of the Tewksbury Library for sharing this program with the Medway Public Library. We are also grateful to the Newton Free Library for sharing ‘Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Water Protection Rights and Spirituality’ on October 18.” 

Perkins says these programs “will offer historical details of which many in the audience, both patrons and library staff, may be unaware.” 

Details include: 

Thursday, Oct. 13, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., virtual event   

The Forgotten Nations: Native Tribes of New England

Colonization happened early on in the New England area, as early as 1609, so many Native Nations and tribal histories were lost. Learn about the Nations that called this land home, where they are now, and the thriving communities keeping their histories alive. Led by Heather Bruegl, an Independent Indigenous Consultant and Historian. Bruegl is a citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and a first line descendent Stockbridge Munsee. She is the former Director of Education at Forge Project and travels frequently to present on Native American history, including policy and activism.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Tewksbury Library and several libraries. Register for the Zoom link at https://bit.ly/3Ul3rl7. For more information, contact Margaret Perkins at 508-533-3217 or [email protected]

Tuesday, Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m. to  8:30 p.m., virtual event 

Water Protection Rights and Spirituality

Virtual - Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Water Protection Rights and Spirituality

This program is presented in partnership with Indigenous People’s Day Newton and the Ashland Public Library. Join us as we honor Indigenous Peoples Day at a special program that will open with traditional Danza and prayer, and will be followed by a panel discussion on Water Protection Rights. The participants will be Hiawatha Brown (Narragansett Elder), Liz Santana-Kiser (Nipmuc Elder) Kasike Jorge Estevez (Taino) and Robert Quesada (Mexika/Aztec).  Learn about Indigenous Spirituality as it relates to water; issues concerning water quality, fishing rights and industrial pollution; and land rights and what we can do to contribute to equitable access for all. 

This program is hosted by the Newton Free Library in collaboration with a multitude of MA Libraries. Register for the Zoom link at https://bit.ly/3DwDyZD. The link will be sent from Ashland Public Library.