GLICA Site
A Year-Long Journey of Discovery, Learning, and Appreciation
The Greater Lowell Indian Cultural Association, in partnership with the Town of Chelmsford MA DEO Committee, invites you to take part in Discovering the Indigenous Merrimack Valley—a year-long scavenger hunt designed to help our community learn more about the Indigenous history, culture, people, places, and traditions connected to the Merrimack Valley.
This is more than a scavenger hunt. It is an opportunity to explore the places around us with a new perspective, discover stories that may not always be included in traditional histories, and develop a greater appreciation for the Indigenous peoples who have lived on and cared for this land for generations.
The Merrimack Valley has deep Indigenous roots, including connections to the Abenaki and other Indigenous peoples of the region. Throughout the year, participants will have opportunities to discover sites, foods, historical landmarks, and other aspects of Indigenous history and culture.
This is more than a scavenger hunt. It is an opportunity to explore the places around us with a new perspective, discover stories that may not always be included in traditional histories, and develop a greater appreciation for the Indigenous peoples who have lived on and cared for this land for generations.
The Merrimack Valley has deep Indigenous roots, including connections to the Abenaki and other Indigenous peoples of the region. Throughout the year, participants will have opportunities to discover sites, foods, historical landmarks, and other aspects of Indigenous history and culture.
How Does the Scavenger Hunt Work?
The scavenger hunt will take place over 12 consecutive months, beginning in November 2026.
At the beginning of each month, everyone who has registered will receive an email containing that month's challenge.
Generally, there will be one task each month. Your challenge may ask you to:
The scavenger hunt will take place over 12 consecutive months, beginning in November 2026.
At the beginning of each month, everyone who has registered will receive an email containing that month's challenge.
Generally, there will be one task each month. Your challenge may ask you to:
- Visit a significant site or historical location.
- Learn about an Indigenous person, community, or historical event.
- Discover a food, tradition, or cultural connection.
- Explore an Indigenous historical landmark.
- Answer questions based on your research or visit.
- Complete another activity designed to help you learn about Indigenous history and culture in the Merrimack Valley.
What You'll Need to Do
Each month's email will explain exactly what you need to do and provide any instructions or information necessary to complete the challenge.
Once you have completed the task, you will submit your answers or other required information through the online submission form provided for that month's challenge.
Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and submit your completed challenge by the deadline provided in the monthly email.
Each month's email will explain exactly what you need to do and provide any instructions or information necessary to complete the challenge.
Once you have completed the task, you will submit your answers or other required information through the online submission form provided for that month's challenge.
Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and submit your completed challenge by the deadline provided in the monthly email.
Who Can Participate?
Everyone is welcome!
The scavenger hunt is open to people of all ages. Individuals, families, friends, and community members can participate.
There is no special knowledge or experience required. You simply need to be willing to learn, explore, and have access to the internet so that you can complete the online submission form.
Everyone is welcome!
The scavenger hunt is open to people of all ages. Individuals, families, friends, and community members can participate.
There is no special knowledge or experience required. You simply need to be willing to learn, explore, and have access to the internet so that you can complete the online submission form.
How Do I Win?
There is no need to be the fastest participant or finish each challenge first.
The goal is to complete all 12 monthly challenges.
Everyone who successfully completes all of the monthly tasks will be entered into a drawing, which will take place at the following year's Indigenous Peoples' Day event.
So, keep track of your monthly challenges, complete each one, and make sure you submit your work!
There is no need to be the fastest participant or finish each challenge first.
The goal is to complete all 12 monthly challenges.
Everyone who successfully completes all of the monthly tasks will be entered into a drawing, which will take place at the following year's Indigenous Peoples' Day event.
So, keep track of your monthly challenges, complete each one, and make sure you submit your work!
Why Are We Doing This?
History is all around us—but sometimes we have to know where to look.
The purpose of Discovering the Indigenous Merrimack Valley is to provide an engaging way for the general public to learn about the Indigenous history and continuing presence of the Merrimack Valley.
Through this scavenger hunt, we hope participants will:
History is all around us—but sometimes we have to know where to look.
The purpose of Discovering the Indigenous Merrimack Valley is to provide an engaging way for the general public to learn about the Indigenous history and continuing presence of the Merrimack Valley.
Through this scavenger hunt, we hope participants will:
- Learn about the Indigenous peoples who have longstanding connections to this region.
- Discover the history of the Abenaki and other Indigenous peoples of the Merrimack Valley.
- Explore local places and landmarks from a different perspective.
- Learn about Indigenous foodways, traditions, and culture.
- Discover stories and history that may not be familiar to them.
- Develop a deeper appreciation for the people and communities whose histories are part of the Merrimack Valley.
- Share what they learn with family, friends, and others in the community.
Your Year of Discovery Begins in November 2026
Each month will bring something new to discover.
Register, watch your email at the beginning of each month, complete the challenge, and submit your response online.
Then come back the following month for your next opportunity to learn something new about the Indigenous Merrimack Valley.
Whether you are a lifelong resident of the area or are discovering the Merrimack Valley for the first time, we invite you to join us for this 12-month journey of discovery, education, and appreciation.
Are you ready to discover the Indigenous Merrimack Valley?Sign up today and begin your journey in November 2026!
Each month will bring something new to discover.
Register, watch your email at the beginning of each month, complete the challenge, and submit your response online.
Then come back the following month for your next opportunity to learn something new about the Indigenous Merrimack Valley.
Whether you are a lifelong resident of the area or are discovering the Merrimack Valley for the first time, we invite you to join us for this 12-month journey of discovery, education, and appreciation.
Are you ready to discover the Indigenous Merrimack Valley?Sign up today and begin your journey in November 2026!