The Thriving Artist: Indigenous People's Day #octobertenth

Sunday, October 9, 2022

Indigenous People's Day #octobertenth

Tomorrow, October 11, 2022, will honor Indigenous Peoples. Although the second Monday of October has long been a holiday, this is only the second year it is officially celebrated and known as Indigenous Peoples' Day. Last October 2021, President Biden signed the first official presidential proclamation of Indigenous People's Day, turning the commeration into an official government holiday. This day highlights and lifts up the Native American history and culture.

The origins of Indigenous Peoples' Day began in 1977 at a United Nations' international conference on discrimination. Later on in 1989, South Dakota was the first state to recognize the second Monday of October as such rather than what it was known as "Columbus Day". Later on, the cities of Berkeley and Santa Cruz, California recognized the day.

"Columbus Day" has long been a stain for Native Americans, a painful reminder of the 500 years of Colonial torture and oppression by European conquerors such as Christopher Columbus and others. The Native American people were all self sufficient and thriving communities before having their land taken from them.

Only thirty two years ago, in 1990, the United Nations began to discuss changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. The arrival of the official holiday status as well as the name itself, Indigenous Peoples' Day, signifies the resilience of past cultures to overcome much injustices, even more than honoring the heritage. For this day not only commerates the heritage and culture of Native American peoples, but the cultures and traditions of indigenous peoples' throughout the world.

This is a day to reflect upon how these long standing cultures provide deep wisdom for living more sustainably.