400 Years

An interfaith / inter-community project of listening, connecting, and acting for justice during this 400th year since the 1620 landing of English colonists on Native homelands in the Northeast.

A virtual gathering was held live on YouTube 
on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020

If you missed it, you can watch the whole program at https://youtu.be/bvDOOmNfRrU  
or view individual segments on the 400 Years Playlist

Details on Oct. 18 400 Years program

A zoom workshop “Looking Deeply at Thanksgiving”  
was held Thursday, Nov. 19  

  • Wampanoag leaders Joan Tavares Avant & Gail Melix shared Indigenous perspectives on the holiday
  • Reflection on these hard truths in breakout groups
  • Ways to move forward together: Discussion among the Indigenous presenters with Rev. Kelly Gallagher and Leslie Manning, two faith leaders active in decolonization work

This program raised over $3500 for Native Land Conservancy
Resources related to program interfaithamherst.org/400-years-thanksgiving
Watch video of program https://youtu.be/x1Kx2ZwMPt0

Connecting – We are committed to building relationships of respect & solidarity with our Native neighbors.

Funding for Native organizationsAs one beginning act of restorative justice for what has been done to the Native peoples of the Northeast, will you help us fund four groups working to preserve Native cultures and reclaim Native land? 100% of funds collected go to:

DONATE VIA CHECK
Make out check to “ICFC” (for Interfaith Council of Franklin County) – with the memo “400 Years”

Mail check to: ICFC (400 Years), P.O. Box 1171, Greenfield, 01302.
DONATE VIA CREDIT CARD
 at riseupandsing.org/400years

What these groups are doing

Legislative Solidarity. We are committed to standing in solidarity with Native people in the region in their efforts for rights, respect, and land. Allied groups can make a huge difference in advancing bills that address these issues in our state legislatures.

Ways you can act

Study. There are a host of resources available to learn about and begin living into these on right relationship with Native Peoples.

Walking to Great Falls and PlymouthFor the past 4 years monks from the New England Peace Pagoda have led walks to reflect and live into a deeper understanding of and response to 400 years of European colonization. Their fifth and final walk began with walking from Sojourner Truth Memorial in Florence MA to Unity Park in Turners Falls during the 3 days leading up to the 400 Years program on Oct. 18th. The monks’ walk continued through the end of October with a final ceremony at the Massasoit Statue in Plymouth MA.

Project Partners. 25 area congregations and community organizations have committed themselves to partner with our Native neighbors to begin redressing the enormous damage inflicted on their peoples over the past 400 years.

List of partners