On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, protesters in Philadelphia demand end to colonialism

In Philadelphia, the cry is freedom for Indigenous peoples and descendants of enslaved ancestors, Oct. 12.

More than 200 activists from diverse movements joined together in a March to End Colonialism on Oct. 12 in Philadelphia. The Indigenous Peoples’ Day protest began with a rally at Independence Mall featuring danzantes [dancers], music and speakers and ended with a rally at 2nd and Market three hours later.

Annually honored between Oct. 10 and Oct. 12, this year’s protest emphasized unity of struggle, as exemplified in the Standing Rock struggle against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. That theme was reflected in the diversity of the speakers and endorsers, which included #PhillyNoDAPLSolidarity, Taino (Taíno Council Guatu Ma Cu a Borikén) Philly-Camden Borícua Committee, Oglala Lakota Tribe, Jatibonicu’ Taíno Tribal Nation, Ollin Yoliztli Calmécac, International Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, Philly Coalition for Real Justice and Deep Green Philly.