Or more like, “I type about it, and you read about it”.
The Standard American History Myth treats American Indians as if they were an obstacle in the way of westward expansion and our inevitable march of progress. However, this perspective oversimplifies a complex and tragic history; it neglects the rich cultures, societies, and histories of Native Americans that existed long before European settlers arrived. The portrayal of Native Americans as mere impediments disregards their sovereignty and the deep connections they had to the land. In reality, nothing about what the United States did to the Native Americans was inevitable, as it was driven by decisions motivated by greed, power, and a flawed belief in manifest destiny.
By understanding this, we can begin to rectify the narrative and acknowledge the immense contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples throughout this tumultuous period of American history.
But I’m not here to talk about that… I’m here to talk about Indigenous People’s day.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday in the United States that honors Indigenous American peoples and their histories and cultures. Celebrated on the second Monday in October, it serves as a counter-celebration to Columbus Day, which honors Christopher Columbus. Some do not observe Columbus Day, citing the harm caused to Indigenous tribes due to colonization. The holiday’s roots date back to 1977 discussions on replacing Columbus Day during an international conference in Geneva. In 2021, Joe Biden became the first U.S. president to formally commemorate the holiday, with proclamations issued in 2022 and 2023. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not officially recognized under U.S. Federal Law.
In 1977, the International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas, sponsored by the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, began to discuss replacing Columbus Day in the Americas with a celebration to be known as Indigenous Peoples Day. Similarly, in a bold act of remembrance and resistance, Native American groups staged a sort of protest in Boston instead of Thanksgiving, which has been celebrated there to mark collaboration between Massachusetts colonists and Native Americans, now viewed critically by those acknowledging the complex and often painful history of that collaboration.
The legacy of Thanksgiving is re-evaluated as some consider it a time of mourning for Indigenous communities, prompting a need for awareness regarding historical injustices that have persisted for centuries. This critical perspective invites reflection on the painful narratives often overshadowed by traditional celebrations surrounding this holiday. In July 1990, at the First Continental Conference on 500 Years of Indian Resistance in Quito, Ecuador, representatives of indigenous people throughout the Americas gathered to voice their shared struggles and experiences, acknowledging the deep scars left by colonialism, land dispossession, and cultural erasure. They emphasized the importance of reclaiming their histories and reaffirming their identities in the face of ongoing challenges. There, they reached a consensus that they would mark 1992, the 500th anniversary of the first of the voyages of Christopher Columbus, as a year to promote “continental unity” and “liberation,” recognizing the centuries of adversity faced by their ancestors while advocating for justice, reparations, and the revitalization of Indigenous cultures and languages. This event catalyzed a broader movement, increasing awareness about Indigenous rights and their significance in modern society, fostering a sense of solidarity among diverse Indigenous groups across the continent.
After the conference, attendees from Northern California organized protests against the “Quincentennial Jubilee” that had been organized by the United States Congress for the San Francisco Bay Area on Columbus Day in 1992. This jubilee was to include extravagant displays such as replicas of Columbus’s ships sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge and reenacting their “discovery” of America, events that many felt celebrated a narrative of colonial triumph rather than the myriad tragedies that accompanied it. The delegates formed the Bay Area Indian Alliance and in turn, the “Resistance 500” task force, dedicated to advocating for a more accurate historical narrative. It promoted the idea that Columbus’s “discovery” of inhabited lands and the subsequent European colonization of them had resulted in the genocide of thousands of indigenous peoples because of the decisions which were made by colonial and national governments, decisions fueled by greed, power, and an entrenched ideology of superiority.
In 1992, the group successfully convinced the city council of Berkeley, California, to declare October 12 as a “Day of Solidarity with Indigenous People” and 1992 as the “Year of Indigenous People.” The city implemented related programs in schools, libraries, and museums, ensuring that education about indigenous history became part of the community consciousness. The city symbolically renamed Columbus Day as “Indigenous Peoples Day,” beginning in 1992, to protest the historical conquest of North America by Europeans and to call attention to the immense losses suffered by the Native American peoples and their cultures through diseases, warfare, massacres, and forced assimilation. On that significant day, Get Lost (Again) Columbus, an opera by a Native American composer, White Cloud Wolfhawk, was produced, highlighting the artistic expressions of indigenous rights and cultures. Berkeley has celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day ever since, fostering an environment of recognition and respect for Native cultures. Beginning in 1993, Berkeley has also held an annual pow wow and festival on Indigenous Peoples Day, drawing in participants from various backgrounds to honor and celebrate indigenous histories, traditions, and contributions to society.
In the years following Berkeley’s pioneering action, other local governments and institutions across the nation have either renamed or canceled Columbus Day, either to celebrate Native American history and cultures or to avoid celebrating Columbus and the European colonization of the Americas, which remains a contentious issue. This shift reflects a growing movement across the United States, where raised controversy over the legacy of Columbus has prompted many to rethink their holiday observances. Several other California cities, including Richmond, Santa Cruz, and Sebastopol, now celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day and encourage people to donate to a neighboring tribe, fostering solidarity and providing recognition to the trauma and pain indigenous peoples have been subjected to by colonizers.
At least thirteen states do not celebrate Columbus Day (Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin), as well as Washington, DC; South Dakota officially celebrates Native American Day instead, signifying a shift in recognizing the importance of indigenous heritage. Various tribal governments in Oklahoma designate the day as “Native American Day,” or have renamed the day after their own tribes, asserting their identity and heritage. In 2013, the California state legislature considered a bill, AB55, to formally replace Columbus Day with Native American Day but did not pass it, showcasing the lingering debates around these observances. While the California governor has recognized Indigenous Peoples Day, the holiday was eliminated by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 2008-12 California budget crisis, an action that sparked disappointment and a renewed push for recognition.
On August 30, 2017, following similar affirmative votes in Oberlin, Ohio, and later by Bangor, Maine, in the earlier weeks of the same month, the Los Angeles City Council voted in favor of replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, reflecting a significant moment in the history of public acknowledgment of indigenous issues. On October 10, 2019, just a few days before Columbus Day would be celebrated in Washington, D.C., the D.C. Council voted to temporarily replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. This bill was led by Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) and must undergo congressional approval to become permanent, sustaining the dialogue about how history is honored and remembered. Washington D.C., as of May 2023, has yet to have given the permanent legislation to this renaming, revealing the complexities and ongoing discussions surrounding the recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day in the broader context of American history and identity.
Although not a federal holiday, the Biden Administration officially recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day to honor the cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in the U.S. This acknowledgment addresses historical injustices faced by these communities and emphasizes the need for education about their rights and heritage. The recognition aims to promote dialogue and foster a more inclusive future.
Numerous efforts in North America have honored Native American people as part of Columbus Day, or by designating two holidays for the same date. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities and aims to bring attention to their rich cultures and contributions. Especially since Native American activism has increased since the 1960s and 1970s, a variety of protests have been staged against celebrating Columbus Day. These have included mock trials of Christopher Columbus in St. Paul, Minnesota, where activists creatively highlighted the negative impacts of his voyages on Native peoples, as well as protests and disruptions of Columbus Day parades in the United States.
Such actions serve not only as a critique of the celebrations but also as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of colonialism and the importance of acknowledging and respecting the histories of Indigenous nations. In recent years, some cities and states have chosen to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, further emphasizing the necessity for reparation and dialogue regarding the history of colonization.
Indigenous peoples in other nations have also lobbied to have holidays established to recognize their contributions and history, emphasizing the importance of celebrating and honoring their rich cultural heritage. In South America, for instance, Brazil celebrates “National Indigenous Peoples Day” on April 19, a day that not only acknowledges the historical significance and struggles of Indigenous communities but also serves as a platform for raising awareness about their rights, traditions, and contemporary issues. This holiday provides an opportunity for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals to engage in meaningful discussions about cultural preservation and the ongoing efforts to protect ancestral lands and resources. Furthermore, various events and activities take place across the country, showcasing traditional arts, music, and customs, all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous identities.
In Asia, Taiwan designated August 1 as Indigenous Peoples Day in 2016 under the administration of President Tsai Ing-wen, who announced that the government is committed to promoting the rights of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples and enhancing public awareness of their culture and history.
In the Philippines, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, as well as various local indigenous towns, designated October 29, 1987, as Indigenous Peoples Day.
Some states, like California and Tennessee, celebrate Native American Day in September to honor Indigenous history and contributions, although California does not close government offices for this observance. In Washington, it is celebrated the Friday after Thanksgiving, fostering education and respect for Native American cultures through community events.
In 2003, the United Nations declared an International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, establishing it on August 9. This significant international holiday aims to promote and protect the rights of Indigenous populations around the globe, honoring their rich cultures, traditions, and contributions to society. It has been celebrated in various nations, where communities engage in numerous activities such as educational events, cultural exhibitions, and discussions that highlight the unique histories and challenges faced by Indigenous peoples. Additionally, the day serves as a platform to raise awareness about ongoing issues related to land rights, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of Indigenous languages and knowledge systems, fostering a greater understanding and respect for the diverse heritage that these populations offer.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day has been criticized by some American conservative communities and public figures. In 2020, President Donald Trump criticized Indigenous Peoples’ Day at a campaign rally in Michigan, calling it an example of how “the radical left is eradicating our history”.
Well, Haters gonna hate. However, we here at Jogo Corpo Fechado will honor and celebrate ALL indigenous people of this planet, acknowledging their rich cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions throughout history. We recognize the diverse traditions, languages, and wisdom that indigenous communities bring to the world’s tapestry, and we invite you to join us in this important celebration!
Let us come together to learn, share stories, and promote appreciation and respect for indigenous cultures, fostering a sense of unity and understanding across all walks of life.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 