Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day
This blog was written with the intention to support Indigenous communities while also educating white and non-Indigenous people on the history of this day and actions they can take to be accomplices in liberation.
The majority of American citizens learn about our national history through the lens of white, cisgender men who have been in power. The national holidays we celebrate and honor like Fourth of July, Columbus Day, or Thanksgiving have been passed down from a generation of colonization and genocide of Indigenous people. American history is taught through a subjective framework — not objectively based on events as they occurred because they most often leave out a multitude of perspectives. Indigenous communities have a rich history and culture that is not included in history textbooks.
The history behind Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Historically recognized as Columbus Day — Indigenous Peoples’ Day was not honored until 1992, the 500th anniversary of the first voyages of Christopher Columbus. The earliest recorded celebration of Columbus Day was in 1792 by the Tammany Society and Massachusetts Historical Society recognizing the 300th anniversary of Columbus voyage landing in the Americas. While it didn’t become a federal holiday until 1968, education about Columbus and patriotism was woven into public schools very early on in American history. Christopher Columbus became a glorified hero, even though he represents a legacy of bringing over deadly diseases, initiating the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the genocide of Indigenous people, and forced assimilation.
The call for renaming the holiday to Indigenous Peoples’ Day prioritizes the resilience of those who survived Columbus’ trail of violence. Thirteen states including Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, DC, and Wisconsin no longer celebrate Columbus Day and instead celebrate local Indigenous cultures and communities. This cultural shift reflects the true history of America and creates an opportunity for our country to learn and grow from our violent past.
Honoring Indigenous queer and two-spirit communities.
Queer and two-spirit people historically have been held in high regard within Native American communities. While colonization stripped away this cultural legacy — many First Nations communities have been reviving this support. Many two-spirit and transgender Indigenous people are seen not through the lens of their sexual orientation or gender identity but of their spiritual gifts. They are seen as doubly blessed and honored by their ability to have fluidity in their gender. There is less emphasis on expressing either masculine or feminine gender stereotypes and more acceptance of diversity within sexual and gender expressions. Honoring this rich history allows present-day Indigenous queer and two-spirit people to find more acceptance within their communities exactly as they are.
How to support Indigenous sovereignty.
America is in need of a deep reckoning for the historical harm caused to Indigenous people through the dispossession of land, colonization, racism, and dehumanization. Indigenous sovereignty means being able to protect traditional lands and waters, supporting their right to practice spiritual and cultural ways of life, advocating for a Just Transition of lands, repairing harm caused, and committing to climate justice policies like the Green New Deal.
In recent years, areas of the US have begun to take steps in this direction — a Nebraska farmer signed a deed returning ancestral tribal land back to the Ponca Tribe, a parcel of land was donated to the Native Land Conservancy in Mashpee, Massachusetts, and a Land Stewardship Council returned ancestral California land. There is a possibility for us to collectivize around these efforts to not only protect Indigenous sovereignty but support climate justice for a safer planet.
Actions non-Indigenous people can take in honor of this day.
Donate and support Indigenous-led organizations. Supporting efforts like Climate Justice Alliance, Indigenous Alliance, National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, Queer The Land, or Cultural Survival, to list a few, make it possible for these communities to thrive.
Attend vigils, rallies, or actions local Natives organize. There are many events — digital this year due to COVID-19 public health restrictions — that honor and celebrate indigenous people’s history and culture. You can look up local events or calls to action that mobilize citizens to get involved. It is important to be respectful and follow the organizers leading the action.
Actively disavow Columbus Day. It is not enough to quietly honor the history of Indigenous People’s Day — being vocal about why we no longer can uphold Christopher Columbus as a righteous leader exploring “new lands” is vital. Many local governments are considering the removal of statues of Columbus — you can call and email in support of these efforts.
Look up the unceded territory you live on. The land holds our history and deep knowledge of the people who have cared for it. Native Land is a website where you can look up indigenous land you are living on. This allows you to not only respect this history but also research about those tribes and find ways to support the current Native communities in your local area.
Journal prompts to consider for non-Indigenous People:
Do you know the history of the land you have access to? What is the history of how this land was stolen from Indigenous communities?
Who are the Native communities where you live? How can you slowly begin to build relationships with and support local native communities?
What are the visions and calls to action local Indigenous communities are organizing around?
Are you familiar with the concept of transferring land or returning it to the Indigenous territory? If not, what steps will you take to educate yourself?