Cleveland event honors Tribal Nations Day and Native heritage

Dozens of Ohio residents gathered in Cleveland for the second annual Tribal Nations Day, founded by Honduras native Alejandro Meza to highlight Indigenous cultures and traditions of Turtle Island and Abya Yala Island, according to Spectrum News 1.

Meza said the event aims to “rebrand Thanksgiving” by honoring Indigenous history and resilience. Attendees participated in cocoa and hapé ceremonies, viewed multimedia art and sampled traditional foods such as frybread tacos. Co-host Ajha “Yona” Dean-Phillips, who is of Afro-Indigenous heritage, shared artwork reflecting Native identity and said the event helps preserve cultural history.

Meza said the celebration invites people of all backgrounds to support Indigenous communities year-round through learning, art and contributions.