October 10, 2022: A New Federal Holiday Honoring Native Americans

This year's October 10th marks an important milestone in American history as President Biden issued a proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day, shifting the focus from the traditional Columbus Day celebration. The move has been met with widespread approval and relief by Native American communities who have long criticized the inaccurate and harmful narratives surrounding Christopher Columbus' legacy.

Indigenous peoples have always known that they were here first, but the narrative of Columbus' 'discovery' of the Americas has been perpetuated for centuries. This misconception has led to a 'whitewashed' American history that glorifies Europeans who committed violence against Indigenous communities. However, with the recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day, this narrative is finally being corrected.

Jamescita Peshlakai, founder of the Indigenous Peoples' Initiative, believes that this newfound recognition will have a profound impact on many people. 'This is going to mean a lot to so many people,' she said. The initiative aims to tell a more positive and accurate tale of Native Americans by replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day.

The shift in focus from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day is significant, as it acknowledges the resilience and contributions of Native Americans throughout history. Despite facing assimilation, discrimination, and genocide spanning generations, Native Americans have continued to thrive and contribute to American society.

Mandy Van Heuvelen, cultural interpreter coordinator at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, noted that recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day is a step towards acknowledging the complete accomplishments of individuals, including their costs. 'It is difficult to grapple with the complete accomplishments of individuals and also the costs of what those accomplishments came at,' she said.

For Native Americans like 19-year-old Iylan Baca, who was instrumental in helping broker the first proclamation, this recognition is a testament to the power of collective action. 'I still don't think I've fully absorbed what that has meant,' he said in an interview with NPR in 2021.

As we mark October 10th as Indigenous Peoples' Day, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of this federal holiday. It is a day to honor Native Americans, their resilience, and their contributions to American society throughout history. By recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day, we are taking a crucial step towards creating a more accurate and inclusive history that acknowledges the experiences and perspectives of all Americans.

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October 10 2022 federal holiday