Indigenous Peoples Day is becoming a national statement promoting societal change and culture acceptance across the United States.
Proposed in 1977 by delegates of the Native Nation, the idea of the holiday was to reform the horrific history pertaining to the landfall of Christopher Columbus in America.
In 1937 Columbus Day became an official holiday, but has been unofficially celebrated since 1492. Since then the significance behind this day has decreased in popularity.
Today, rather than Columbus Day being a holiday full of events surrounding the wonderful life of Christopher Columbus, sales at retail stores seem to be the only benefit one would have on this particular day of the year.
The real question is, why celebrate the life of a man who captured over thousands of native Indians, forcing them into slave work?
According to The Log of Christopher Columbus, Columbus stated in a journal entry from Oct. 12, 1492, “They ought to make good skilled servants, for they repeat very quickly whatever we say to them…I will take six of them to Your Highnesses when I depart, in order that they may learn our language.”
This shows he viewed Indigenous People as nothing more than commodities for commercial exploit.
Ideally America is steadily migrating to become a land of social acceptance and justice. Movements are being formed across the nation to represent the groups who essentially have no voice from a political standpoint.
Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrating the life of Native Americans who grazed U.S. lands before European influence.
Although this is a federal holiday, the celebration of this day varies by state. The significance of this holiday raises a higher purpose to promoting peace and human rights.
Events in celebration of the holiday focus on history of the Native American people, celebrating their life and influence on our society.
Although there are only four states that do fully recognize Indigenous Peoples Day as a holiday, many individual cities have acknowledged this holiday as a great celebration of acceptance and culture.
With this being said, this is also the first year I have heard about the holiday. This day seems to still be undermined in a way where it is known but not necessarily celebrated.
The day in itself is a contradiction considering that Columbus Day was not removed as a federal holiday and just coincides with the Indigenous Peoples holiday. This accurately demonstrates the ongoing battle America is fighting against traditional values.
I do believe Columbus Day should not be considered a federal holiday and supporting states of Indigenous People should spend time teaching the significance of this day in American history to show positive reform in our society.
Pamela Thomas • Oct 21, 2016 at 11:12 am
Very nice article by Tatyana Turner keep up the good work.