FRAMINGHAM – The City of Framingham invites the community to gather in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, October 13, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Framingham Downtown Common, off Concord Street. The ceremony, which will include a formal proclamation, student reflections, and a keynote address, begins at 12:30 p.m.
The location for this year’s ceremony — the Downtown Common — was chosen with intention, as it is the site of a historic Indigenous burial ground.
The event is an opportunity for the Framingham community to reflect on the region’s Indigenous heritage, honor the past, and commit to a more inclusive future.
“Honoring Indigenous Peoples Day is an important way to acknowledge the deep history of this land, the resilience of Indigenous communities, and the work that still lies ahead,” said Mayor Charlie Sisitsky. “Framingham is proud to celebrate this day as a City committed to equity, inclusion, and historical truth. I encourage residents to join us in reflection and learning as we honor the original stewards of this land.”
“Indigenous Peoples Day is not only a time to remember and honor the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples, but also an opportunity to recommit ourselves to justice and partnership,” said Jesse Edwards, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the City of Framingham. “This day invites us to listen, learn, and take meaningful action to support Indigenous communities, past, present, and future.”
During the program on Monday, Mayor Sisitsky will then present a proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day on behalf of both the Mayor’s Office and the 11-member City Council.
Additional speakers include:
- Land significance: Sophia “Wise Owl” Hanson
- Student Remarks: Chloe Caterson, Framingham High School and McKayla Garcia, Framingham State University
- Introduction: Dr. Lynn Moore
- Indigenous Moment: Chief Ladybug Dr. Denise Pruitt
- Closing Remarks: Rev. Dr. J Anthony Lloyd
The event is free and open to the public.
The public is encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the Greater Framingham Community Church.
As a follow-up to the ceremony, community members are invited to participate in “A Hike Through History” on Saturday, October 19, hosted by the Framingham History Center.
The guided hike will explore Framingham’s Indigenous heritage in greater depth. Tickets are limited and can be reserved by visiting the Framingham History Center’s website at www.framinghamhistory.org/events/2025-hike-through-history-nipmuc-lifeways/
This community event is made possible through the collaboration of numerous partners, including:
- Framingham Public Library
- Framingham Public Schools
- Christa McAuliffe Charter School
- Jewish Family Services of MetroWest
- Framingham State University
- MassBay Community College
- Greater Framingham Community Church
- Open Spirit
- Temple Beth Am
- Temple Shir Tikva Wayland
- Islamic Center of Boston Wayland
- Combined Jewish Philanthropies
- Jewish Teen Initiative Boston
Framingham State University 
Christa McAuliffe Center