It’s past time to rethink history.
This Monday, rather than celebrate Columbus’ arrival in North America and the massive cultural erasure that followed, we can honor the survival and cultural heritage of the diverse American Indians and Alaska Natives – more than 5 million in the present-day United States — who’ve found resilience and perseverance in spite of political, social and economic barriers. We can honor the countless historical, cultural and diverse contributions that Native people have and continue to make.
We can practice a more ethical remembering by celebrating the history of Indigenous peoples whose land we reside on and by sharing stories of Native resilience, like the stories of Debra Haaland and Sharice Davids, the first Native American women elected to Congress; or Joy Harjo, the first Native American U.S. poet laureate; or the leadership of Indigenous peoples in the climate justice movement.
Observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day is an important step in understanding of U.S. history. This Monday, we encourage you to join with us in celebrating the rich history, wisdom and resiliency of American Indians and Alaska Natives.