Indigenous Peoples Day: A Day Of Celebration, Protest And Reclaiming History

"From Alcatraz Island to a park in New York City, Native American people will celebrate their centuries-long history of resilience on Monday with ceremonies, dances and speeches.

The events across the U.S. come two years after President Joe Biden officially commemorated Indigenous Peoples Day. An increasing number of states and cities have also recognized it — pivoting from a day long rooted in the celebration of explorer Christopher Columbus to one focused on the people whose lives and culture were forever changed by colonialism.

“This day is about reclaiming histories,” said Kyle Mays, an associate professor of American Indian Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. “It’s acknowledging the history of dispossession and violence against Indigenous people.”"

Hallie Golden and Christine Fernando report for the Associated Press October 6, 2023.

SEE ALSO:

"Working on Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day? It Depends On Where Your Job Is" (Pew Research Center)

"Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day 2023" (ICT)

"US Government Agrees To Help Restore Sacred Native American Site Destroyed For Oregon Road Project" (AP)

"In Berkeley, Indigenous Peoples’ Day Is a Decades-Old Tradition" (New York Times)

"Churches Confess And Repent For Sins Against Native And Indigenous People" (NPR)

"The Largest Dam Removal In History Stirs Hopes Of Restoring California Tribes’ Way Of Life" (Los Angeles Times)