We honor our Native neighbors.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a “holiday” that honors and celebrates the history, cultures, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities. It serves as a counter-narrative to Columbus Day, which has traditionally celebrated the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, but which also marked the beginning of centuries of colonization, oppression, and violence against Indigenous peoples.
This day represents a recognition of the harm caused by European colonization and a commitment to acknowledging the resilience, resistance, and survival of Indigenous communities. Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day means focusing on Indigenous voices, traditions, and ongoing struggles for justice and rights, as well as promoting efforts to protect and preserve Indigenous lands, languages, and cultural heritage.
Let’s reexamine history from a more inclusive and equitable perspective. Let’s reflect on the resilience of Indigenous communities, to educate ourselves about the history that is often overlooked, and to celebrate the vibrant cultures that have persisted despite centuries of hardship. It’s important to recognize both the historical and ongoing struggles for land rights, cultural preservation, and justice, while also honoring the strength, wisdom, and deep connections Indigenous peoples have maintained with the Earth and their traditions.
I invite all of us to walk with care and integrity within our world.