Philadelphia gathers to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day | Local News | phillytrib.com – The Philadelphia Tribune

Philadelphia gathers to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Local News | phillytrib.com  The Philadelphia Tribune

Ra Jikotea Niakuno, left, and Turinikiba perform at Indigenous Peoples' Day Philly at Penn Treaty Park on Monday. —TRIBUNE PHOTO/KAYLA BROWN Monday's 10th Annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Philadelphia was important for dozens who came to celebrate at Shackamaxon Park, the indigenous name used for Penn Treaty Park, along the Delaware River. The day, observes the history and culture of Native Americans, in place of Columbus Day for some. Ra Jikotea Niaku’no Ruiz León said the day stood out for the Taino people “because we were the first indigenous people that Columbus met when he arrived in the Caribbean.” José Cabascango, a Kitchwa Nation member from New York City, offered traditional Andean clothing and items in one of many vendor tents during the festivities.

His brand is known for using Peruvian alpaca wool. "This is a … celebration like in traditional times," he told the Tribune. "(That's why) my representation from my country (is) here." Indigenous Peoples' Day is an effort to return attention away from Christopher Columbus and to the people whose history was being erased by European settlers. Being around her community with so many other indigenous people from other places is really meaningful to seeing everyone just sharing their culture, their language,” said Ra Jikotea Niaku’no Ruiz León Children form a circle and dance to the music