Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Karyn Teed
- Oct 14, 2024
- 1 min read
In 1992, Columbus Day became Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a sign of protest against the massacres that the Native Americans suffered at the hands of Europeans. The day helps to remind us of the harmful effects of racism in our culture and the inaccurate historical ‘facts’ that have been spread to justify white supremacy and colonization.
For the Native Americans, Columbus Day was always hurtful as it glorified the violent past being 500 years of colonial torture and oppression by European explorers like Columbus and those who settled in America. Indigenous Peoples’ Day draws attention to the pain, trauma, and broken promises endured by Indigenous peoples, not only in America, but in all colonized lands.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, recognized on the 2nd Monday of October (Oct 14th this year), celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People, not just in America, but around the world. Their way of life and culture carries wisdom and valuable insights into how we can live life more sustainably and honoring our interconnection with more-than-human Others and with Mother Earth.
In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, I am posting a link below, to an amazing documentary that was filmed and produced here in the Pacific Northwest by Children of the Setting Sun Productions, an Indigenous run non-profit in Bellingham, WA where I live. The film is called Our Sacred Obligation and speaks to Salmon restoration. The film is only about 25 minutes long. I invite you to listen to their story.
Wild Blessings!
*Cover art by houlefineart
Comments