Fishawack-i-ness

This Saturday, Chatham will have its Fishawack festival. The name Fishawack is, supposedly, the Lenni Lenape name for the Passaic River, which they crossed on their way from their winter homes in the North to their summer homes at the shore.

Fishawack is sort of like a Founder's Day, with a street fair and a 5K run. The symbol of the run is a Native American man, pictured here. I tend to wonder about this. Is this a celebration of kicking the Indians off their land? And, if so, isn't that just a more honest way of saying "Founder's Day?" Or, is it meant to be inclusive? As in, we celebrate the spirit of the Native Americans who used to live here, proudly wearing their image on our shirts and hats?

What do you think?