Our evolving recognition of Indigenous history as a country, and a region

Monday is Boston's first official Indigenous People's Day.

"Our shared history in this city is tainted by colonial violence and systemic exclusion," said Acting Boston Mayor Kim Janey last week, announcing her executive order renaming the day, and acknowledging our complicated history. "As the current residents of this land, the city of Boston has an opportunity and an obligation to honor the cultures, experiences and achievements of indigenous people."

President Joe Biden also issued a proclamation at the end of last week commemorating Indigenous Peoples' Day today, becoming the first U.S. president to do so.

We speak with Paula Peters, or Sonk Waban, a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and an independent scholar of Wampanoag history.