BAA Apologizes For Holding Marathon On Indigenous Peoples Day

BROOKLINE, MA — The Boston Athletic Association has issued a formal apology for scheduling the 2021 Boston Marathon on Indigenous Peoples Day, which will be recognized in local communities including Brookline and Newton on Oct. 11.

In a statement released Friday, the BAA said that the date selection was not meant to take away from Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, and it outlined the contributions it will make to recognize the Native American community going forward.

"We extend our sincerest apologies to all Indigenous people who have felt unheard or feared the importance of Indigenous Peoples' Day would be erased," the BAA said. "We are sorry."

The BAA said it has met with representatives from the Federal and State Recognized Tribes to come up with a list of measures it will take to recognize Indigenous people, including acknowledging Indigenous land ahead of the marathon and donating to help the Indigenous Peoples Day Newton Committee fund its first-ever Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration.

Through its campaigns, features and programming, the BAA will also celebrate Indigenous runners including Ellison Brown, Patti Catalano Dillon and Tom Longboat, as well as recognize Indigenous athletes participating in this year's marathon.

"We are committed to continuing to work with Indigenous Peoples in the lead up to Indigenous Peoples’ Day and in the future," the BAA said.

The apology comes after the Brookline Select Board delayed its vote on issuing the Boston Marathon's special-use permit at a July 27 meeting, arguing that organizers needed to work harder at acknowledging the scheduling controversy and incorporating Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations into marathon day.

"I really would like to see a more public-facing acknowledgement by the BAA, at a minimum," said Vice Chairman Raul Fernandez.

The Brookline Select Board is now set to vote on the Boston Marathon's special-use permit on Tuesday.