Thanks to the Recorder for covering the Walk for a New Dawn. I am writing to clarify
the intent and themes of the walk. We will have walked across the commonwealth for many miles, over many days, from the New York border at Williamstown to the Boston Common and State House, where walkers and supporters will present a petition and letters to Gov. Maura Healey. The Walk for a New Dawn has three main themes: 

  1. Listen to Indigenous nations first for education about the need to change the flag
    and seal of Massachusetts, not a demand to immediately change them. We want more
    citizens across the state to understand the issues, particularly from an Indigenous perspective, so more people will understand the need.
  2. Defend sacred homelands: no sand mining in the pine barrens sacred to the Herring
    Pond Wampanoag (Plymouth area) and no new nuclear reactors anywhere in the
    commonwealth, sacred to us all.
  3. Honor all peoples: No one is illegal on stolen land: ICE out of Massachusetts now.

For more information about the walk, the itinerary, co-sponsoring organizations, and to
register to join the walk, go to https://forms.gle/AFwThzRTw9RR2JNj8.

Cate Woolner

Gill