Press Release - Boston Marathon - 8/27/21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

           An update from the B.A.A. on Indigenous Peoples' Day

In selecting the fall date for the Boston Marathon, the Boston Athletic 
Association (B.A.A.) in no way wanted to take away from Indigenous Peoples'
Day or celebrations for the Indigenous and Native American Community. We 
extend our sincere apologies to all Indigenous people who have felt unheard 
or feared the importance of Indigenous Peoples' Day would be erased. We are 
sorry.

In meeting with representatives from the Federal and State Recognized 
Tribes, we recognize there are immediate next steps we can take, as we 
continue meeting with these groups and planning for October:

- Prior to the start of the Boston Marathon, a land acknowledgement will 
take place to recognize that the race travels through Indigenous homelands. 
The B.A.A. is better understanding the trauma experienced over centuries by 
the Indigenous People who lived on these lands, and we will work with the 
Federal and State Recognized Tribes on this land acknowledgment.
 
- The B.A.A. will donate to the Indigenous Peoples' Day Newton Committee 
working through its fiscal agent, Newton Community Pride, and intended to 
support the work of the Indigenous Peoples' Day Newton Committee, to fund 
their first-ever Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration.
 
- The B.A.A. will celebrate Indigenous runners, Ellison Brown 
(Narragansett, champion of the 1936 and 1939 races) and Patti Catalano 
Dillon (Mi'kmaq, three-time runner-up), through its banner program across 
Boston. The B.A.A. will also recognize another champion, Tom Longboat from 
1907, as well as other top Native American finishers in race history, 
through campaigns, features, and programming.
 
- The B.A.A. will recognize Indigenous athletes participating in the 125th 
Boston Marathon over race weekend and on Indigenous Peoples' Day.
 
- In planning for Boston Marathon weekend and race day, the B.A.A. will 
continue to work with Indigenous runners and organizations who seek to 
strengthen Native youth and families through running. More information on 
this programming will be shared when it is finalized.

We are committed to continuing to work with Indigenous Peoples in the lead 
up to Indigenous Peoples' Day and in the future.

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