Commemorating Indigenous Peoples' Day, October 14, 2024

​​Indigenous Peoples' Day is observed in many states across the country, replacing Columbus Day, in recognition of the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples who continue to thrive despite the impact of settlers on Native communities.

Director of DEI Charla Okewole shares, "While we will continue to celebrate Indigenous and Native communities beyond this month, including in November for American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, we want to acknowledge the multitude of contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, popular and traditional foods, vibrant art, and more. At GFS, we aim to take this day to remember and reflect on the history of Indigenous peoples and honor the legacies that continue to shape our communities."

Did you know? GFS sits on Lenape land (Lenapehoking). The Lenape (the tribal name is “Lenni-Lenape” which means “Original People”) are a large group that is spread across many states and regions, and regularly use different group names. The Lenape Diaspora includes tribal groups across Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada. The Lenape groups all speak different dialects of the Lenape language, which itself is a member of the Algonquian language family. 
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​There were numerous Lenape villages and settlements located in the area we know today as the City of Philadelphia, including South and West Philadelphia. William Penn (and the Quakers who came with him) established a treaty agreement for particular lands where Lenape settlements were located, preventing them from being sold. However, Penn’s sons reinterpreted the accord in the 1730s with the “Walking Purchase” to take back Lenape land. Lenape and other Indigenous peoples remain in the Philadelphia area today. While many states have moved to recognize the legacy of Indigenous peoples, Pennsylvania remains one of the handful of states that does not.