Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day! I hope you take time today to enjoy life and celebrate your Indigenous relatives. Perhaps you can also take a moment to take action. Because, unfortunately — despite 29 states (plus Washington, D.C.) recognizing the real history wrought by the arrival of Christopher Columbus to our shores 532 years ago, the federal government still recognizes today’s holiday as Columbus Day. 

We hope you’ll help us change that. The U.S. government should do right by the original peoples of this land. Please tell your state’s federal lawmakers to actively support the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act, which would replace the Columbus Day federal holiday with Indigenous Peoples’ Day nationwide.

As a friend of Lakota Law, you’re fully aware that the mythology taught in schools about Columbus and the pilgrims routinely ignores the brutal details of colonization. His arrival on our shores began a chain of events that decimated Native peoples throughout the western hemisphere. In his journal, Columbus joyfully celebrated his ability to easily enslave Native peoples who had no idea people could be so evil. Obviously, this is not heroic behavior to be celebrated each year. It’s long past time to stop honoring Columbus and his legacy of genocide.

Replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day nationwide would be a symbolic but serious gesture. While not a solution to heal the generational trauma begun when Europeans invaded our homelands, it would, at least, be a recognition of our sacrifice. Native communities deserve to be seen, and non-Native communities should also be given the space to consider their impacts, both historically and in the present day. In this way, we can increase understanding, build compassion, and create a better world moving forward.

Wopila tanka — my deep gratitude for your solidarity!
Tokata Iron Eyes
Spokesperson and Organizer
Lakota People’s Law Project

P.S. Tell your senators and House rep: it’s long past time to stop celebrating Christopher Columbus and his legacy of pain. Instead, let’s acknowledge the original peoples of this land by replacing the federal holiday of Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day!