Columbus Day is a celebration of European colonization of the Americas and leaves out the cost incurred by the Native Americans. A new name for Columbus Day—Indigenous Peoples’ Day—could start a conversation of healing for Native people.
The wound caused by genocide and colonization can only begin to heal by telling the truth of our history and how it began. Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes that truth, while also celebrating and honoring Native people.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day tells a story of survival, family, love, and faith and that these sacred lands have an indigenous future.
This message is an excerpt from a Women of the ELCA blog by Isabell Retamoza. Today we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, also known as Columbus Day.
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