BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A petition on Change.org is calling on the Boston Athletic Association to change the date of the Boston Marathon this fall because it coincides with Indigenous Peoples Day.

The petition said Indigenous Peoples Day "is meant to celebrate the Indigenous peoples of this land and their contributions (past and present). It is also a time for non-Indigenous people to hold space for Indigenous voices and to reflect on what it means to be good allies as well as colonizers. Unfortunately, the Boston Athletic Association has decided that Indigenous Peoples Day is a 'side' holiday that can be usurped."

Chal’Inaru Dones, of the Boriken Taino tribe, is co-founder of a group out of Newton that wants to celebrate the holiday at a park in the city, but can’t get a permit because of the race.

The Indigenous Peoples Day Newton Committee wanted to use Albemarle Park.

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“We requested permits from the city in that particular area as it does not conflict; it’s not anywhere near the route,” Dones said.

However, Dones said resources for that day have been given to the Boston Marathon. Although the group was given a chance for another location behind Newton South High School, they did not accept because it’s not accessible for the public to come to the festivities.

Dones said she wishes the B.A.A. had reached out to them before scheduling the race.

In a statement to WBZ NewsRadio, the B.A.A said the date for the marathon “was selected in close coordination and collaboration with the eight cities and towns that comprise the marathon route. During the date selection process, the Boston Athletic Association regularly met with representatives from the eight cities and towns for feedback and guidance on potential dates and collaboratively selected Monday, October 11.”

The B.A.A also said that they will “continue working with city and town officials, as well as with organizations planning events during the October 9-11 weekend.”

WBZ NewsRadio's Ben Parker (@radiobenparker) reports

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