PICS: Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrated on NYC Randall's Island

People gather on Randall's Island in New York City on October 10, 2022, to participate in an Indigenous Peoples' Day sunrise ceremony.
People gather on Randall's Island in New York City on October 10, 2022, to participate in an Indigenous Peoples' Day sunrise ceremony. The federal holiday to mark Columbus Day is also officially recognized as Indigenous Peoples' Day, following a proclamation by US President Joe Biden. Photo credit YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — While many celebrated Columbus Day Monday, others commemorated Indigenous Peoples' Day in recognition of the natives who were here for generations before.

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The Red Hawk Native American Arts Council holds Indigenous Peoples' Day events every year throughout the city. The council's director, Cliff Matias, told 1010 WINS they have no problem with Italian heritage, they just don't believe that Christopher Columbus should be at the center of it.

Chenae Bullock, of The Shinnecock Indian Nation, holds a traditional container of water during an Indigenous Peoples' Day sunrise ceremony on Randall's Island in New York City on October 10, 2022.
Chenae Bullock, of The Shinnecock Indian Nation, holds a traditional container of water during an Indigenous Peoples' Day sunrise ceremony on Randall's Island in New York City on October 10, 2022. Photo credit YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images

“We can honor someone who is deserving of such,” Matias said. “So are they great Italian Americans? Absolutely Joe DiMaggio or even Frank Sinatra. But Columbus of all people, that kind of preposterous.”

A woman prays while holding a container of water brought from Puerto Rico during an Indigenous Peoples' Day sunrise ceremony on Randall's Island in New York City on October 10, 2022.
A woman prays while holding a container of water brought from Puerto Rico during an Indigenous Peoples' Day sunrise ceremony on Randall's Island in New York City on October 10, 2022. Photo credit YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images

A 24-hour celebration was hosted by the Red Hawk Native American Council on Randall’s Island now in its eighth year.

A woman pours water into the East River during an Indigenous Peoples' Day sunrise ceremony on Randall's Island in New York City on October 10, 2022.
A woman pours water into the East River during an Indigenous Peoples' Day sunrise ceremony on Randall's Island in New York City on October 10, 2022. Photo credit YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images

Speaking engagements, singing, dancing and other activities brought together Indigenous Peoples from all over the world for the two-day festival.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images