Today marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day and honors Indigenous communities that have been largely shunned over the years.
October 14th stands as a counter-celebration to Columbus Day, which has historically glorified the European colonization of the Americas and its devastating impact on Indigenous populations. The origins of this alternative holiday trace back to the 1977 United Nations-sponsored International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas. The movement gained even more momentum in 1992 when Berkeley, California, became the first city to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, marking the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. Since then, more states and cities have adopted the holiday to recognize Indigenous peoples and their rich history.
To honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day, it’s essential to educate oneself about past and current struggles and ongoing strides of Indigenous communities. One powerful call to action that continues to gain momentum across the Americas is raising awareness about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis. This movement addresses the alarming rates of violence, disappearance, and murder faced by Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people, which are often overlooked or underreported by mainstream media and law enforcement.
Additionally, this day is meant for learning about the diverse cultures and languages of Native American tribes. Many cities across the nation have cultural events or lectures hosted by Indigenous organizations. If possible, supporting Indigenous artists, businesses, and causes is a meaningful way to acknowledge the contributions of this important group. One easy way to get involved is by signing the Change.org petition, which hopes to get New York City to officially acknowledge Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The campaign currently has over 7,000 signatures.
Most importantly, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a moment of solidarity, encouraging conversations surrounding reparations and respect.
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