The Indigenous Peoples’ Task Force I(IPTF) was formed in 2020 by two women, Sylvia Guerrero-Paluzzi and Anna Borrero-Schwait, with a vision to change Columbus Day in Alachua County and eventually statewide, with Florida joining the other 15 states that no longer recognize Columbus Day and instead recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
The mission is to acknowledge and honor all of the indigenous peoples of the Americas and the Caribbean as the first people, who have a rich cultural heritage.
This cultural heritage is showcased by inviting indigenous people to share through dance, storytelling, and artistic expression. By doing so, communities that have been diminished, dismissed, or abolished for thousands of years are uplifted, and recognized as important contributors to the shared history of the Americas, pre-Columbus.
The Indigenous Peoples’ Task Force is offering several events in Gainesville during October in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and for Native American Heritage Month in November.
The City of Gainesville will once again recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day on Monday, Oct. 12, at City Hall from 5:30 to 6:30pm. This event will be followed by an evening of shared history with Elder Duane Whitehorse and his wife, Maria, as they share their stories at the Matheson Museum at 7pm. All events are free and open to the public.
A complete listing of all events in October and November, are listed on the flier to the left. Join us as we listen to our shared history and learn about our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
For more information, please email sylvia@indigenouspeopletaskforce@gmail.com.