Indigenous Peoples' Day: Native Plant and Bird Tour

Join the Metoac Indigenous Collective for a tour led by Haley Scott (Unkechaug) and Tecumseh Ceaser (Matinecock/Montaukett/Unkechaug) and for a morning Native Bird Nature walk at Queens Botanical Garden, highlighting Long Island’s Indigenous history, native birds and plants, and their cultural significance. Haley Scott (she/her) is a BIPOC birder and guide for NYC Bird Alliance and Feminist Bird Club. She is from the Bronx, NY and is an enrolled member of the state-recognized Unkechaug Indian Nation on Long Island (Siwan Áhki). She has been birding since 2018. Haley has a BS in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont (UVM). It was during her time at UVM that she developed her passion for bird watching and environmental and outdoor education. As a college student, she spent a semester as a birding mentor; teaching elementary school students about native birds and local wildlife through outdoor exploration. After receiving her degree in Environmental Studies, she taught environmental education for K-5 students at a local non-profit youth development organization in the Bronx. Haley is passionate about protecting wildlife, environmental conservation, and providing safe and accessible outdoor exploration opportunities for women, BIPOC, and the LGBTQ+ community. Through her work she hopes to further educate her community about local and large-scale environmental issues and traditional ecological knowledge, while influencing appreciation for and re-connection with nature and wildlife in NYC. Tecumseh Ceaser, (Matinecock, Turkey Clan; Montaukett; Unkechuag), is an Indigenous artist, cultural consultant and wampum carver. Born and raised in Queens, NY, the homeland of the Matinecock, he works in the traditional medium and practice of wampum (quahog shell) carving. He frequently collaborates with organizations to bring cultural programming to Native and other communities. He currently serves as the Director of Education and Strategic Planning at Metoac Indigenous Collective and also serves as an advisor for the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus at the United Nations, where he advocates for Indigenous rights. A significant part of his work involves cultural revitalization and preservation and the empowerment of traditional knowledge among Long Island Native peoples. Tecumseh draws from the traditional knowledge of Native elders as well as his experience doing advocacy work. He is currently in residence at Flushing Town Hall. RSVP Here.