New Bedford Artist Appearing at Indigenous Peoples Day Event in New York City

New Bedford's Erik Andrade – a community worker, cultural artist and organizer – has been asked to return to perform at the 8th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day NYC on October 9 and 10.

"It's very powerful and ceremonial, rooted in Indigenous culture and tradition like a time honored powwow, with drumming, music, dance, prayer and food," Andrade said. "I'll be performing with spoken word poetry."

The free 24-hour event attracts people from different destinations, and is organized by local New York tribes that have been working for eight years to convince New York City officials to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day.

The bash takes place on Randall's Island at Icahn Stadium.

"It's like an oasis in the middle of New York City," Andrade said. "I always learn a lot here, and I get the feeling that I'm living my purpose. I love this event, to be honest with you."

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Andrade will be among 100 presenters, and on Monday, October 10, there will be a sunrise ceremony to hold prayers for the preservation and celebration of the Indigenous Peoples. Participants are asked to bring some water from their homes and present it at the service to validate the importance of protecting our water sources.

"I'm deeply honored to be invited to be a part of this global movement, where I feel a strong sense of unity and solidarity," Andrade said. "I look forward to recharging my spirit and reconnecting with fellow artists and pray that leaders and people all over the world, move to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples Day, and make restorations and reparations for all the harms inflicted upon them."