A few weeks ago, our country had off of school and work to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples Day. While many of my friends were enjoying their extra weekend day, I had the privilege of speaking at the annual Indigenous Peoples Day event in Framingham. It was an inspiring experience to engage with citizens of the Nipmuc Nation and deepen my understanding of their rich history and traditions. I had the pleasure to represent both CJP’s Jewish Teen Initiative and Temple Shir Tikva. In my speech, I was able to share thoughts of how the indigenous community is similar to the Jewish community. Additionally, during this event I learned so much and had the opportunity to speak to a very diverse population of people. It was an incredible experience and I left with a new perspective on not just indigenous people but culture in general.
Here are the words that I shared the day of the event:
I’m honored to speak today as we all come together from different towns and communities to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day. This day is a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding different perspectives, cultures and histories. Especially those that involve land, identity, and the ongoing fight to belong. It encourages us to reflect on the experiences of indigenous peoples—their deep connection to the land, their culture, and the ongoing challenges they face in preserving their heritage.
As a Jewish person growing up in this day and age, I have seen first hand how discussions around land and identity can be deeply personal. It’s not just about land or territory—it’s about culture, history, and the right to live in peace. These themes resonate with me but they are applicable to so many communities around the world. Indigenous Peoples Day highlights the importance of respecting these connections for all communities and recognizing the significance of land as more than just physical space—it’s part of their story and identity. This past summer, I was fortunate to travel through Europe with Camp Young Judea, and it opened my eyes to the richness of so many different cultures. In Austria, I encountered incredible Jewish history, connecting me more deeply to my roots and heritage. In Spain, I encountered beautiful art, and in Italy, I experienced vibrant culinary traditions.
Each culture has its unique story, but what stood out was that every culture shared the same goal, the desire to honor the past while striving for a more peaceful future—much like what we acknowledge today with indigenous peoples and their ongoing efforts to preserve their identity and traditions. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of perspective. No matter where we come from or what we believe, we all share a responsibility to come together. Days like today remind us that we don’t have to share the same background to work toward mutual respect and understanding. In a world filled with division, this kind of unity is essential. By embracing each other’s histories and values, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities, where we uplift one another’s stories and move toward a more peaceful future for everyone.
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