The community will celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day by honoring the Island of Nôepe and the People of the First Light at a celebration on Sunday.
The annual event will be hosted at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary in Edgartown from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.. The celebration is put on by Sassafras Earth Education, an Island organization focused on restoring and educating the Island community about Indigenous ways of life.
Saskia Vanderhoop, co-founder of Sassafras Earth Education, said the event will feature speeches and music from tribal members. It is free to attend and guests are asked to bring their own chair.
She encouraged everyone in the community to take part.
"Especially in the current political climate combined with the climate crisis, it is extremely important that we come together and activate," Ms. Vanderhoop said.
The event will be emceed by Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) tribal elder David Two Arrows Vanderhoop, co-founder of Sassafras Earth Education.
Wampanoag Tribe of Chappaquiddick historic preservation officer Alexis Moreis and Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) tribal councilwoman Camille Madison, who helps teach the Wôpanâak language to tribal members, will give speeches.
Aquinnah tribal member Taj Madison will read an original poem accompanied by a speech. There will also be music from Nanauwe, an Aquinnah tribal member who lives in Los Angeles and writes songs about her heritage. She will be accompanied by Los Angeles keys player Yahwah.
Aquinnah tribal educator Carole Vandal will play her Native American flute and the Black Brook Singers, known around the Island for their community drum, will perform songs.