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Saturday "No Columbus Day" News and Open Thread

By Alexa

To say that the world is becoming more aware is to damn technology with faint praise. The world is learning. As everyone but the Republican Presidential nominee knows "how to Google," the instant information decried by some as leading to short attention spans and decreased concentration still, to me, is a marvel.

People who wanted to go to college but couldn't, people with language barriers, people who need a little bit more focus than an average classroom offers have a wealth of information at their fingertips. No matter what your age, if you have an internet connection, you're empowered with a precision tool of learning. No-no, you can't stop reading books. Never stop reading the books you can hold in your hands, read at your leisure and reflect upon. All of us continue to learn on a daily basis, si?

And anyone with curiosity and interest will know that a celebration of First People instead of a day of honor for a murderer who knew no honor is an idea which grows more and more resonant in this nation.

In Denver
With signs reading "Don't Celebrate Genocide," "Don't Celebrate Racism," and "The Americas' First Terrorist," the preview to the annual Columbus Day parade seemed to have the same passion that lead to conflicts in previous years. (The Denver Channel)
In Madison, Wisconsin
Columnist Pat Schneider wants to know:Whatever happened to immigrant rights?

The rally is scheduled for Madison's first observation of Indigenous People's Day, a Columbus Day alternative meant to recognize the debt owed to the people who were here before the continent's first immigrants. The rally calls on like-minded organizations for support, including the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice.

In Manhattan
Does the idea of celebrating Christopher Columbus make you queasy? Protest Columbus Day and celebrate Native American art and heritage instead at Nuyorican Poets cafe with poets, activists, and hip-hop artist La Bruja.

Come set your indigenous spirit free and share in a unique event that features Native American artists, including Kacike Marie & Yamocuno Tanama Yukayeke. Bring your words, your songs, and your spirit - make some noise to honor Native American artistry & heritage.

Rhode Island
Students, faculty protest U. celebration of Columbus

"We think the celebration is very one-sided," said Reiko Koyama '11, who spearheaded the effort. "We don't want to cut off conversation. We just don't want to honor Christopher Columbus."

The speakers, including students, faculty and members of the local Native American community, spoke at length about Native American history and the devastation Columbus caused to the indigenous community, including genocide and the spread of disease. They also spoke about the continued sense of invisibility and ignorance surrounding the current Native American community.

Besides Harvard, Brown is the only Ivy League school to observe Columbus Day, though some schools celebrate a Fall Break.

After Jerry Wolf Duff Sellers '09, one of the coordinators of the event, made introductions in Lakota and Osage - pronounced ­Wah-zah-zhe - he turned the program over to the speakers.

"For far too long, Native Americans have been treated as little more than a footnote," said Dana Eldridge '10, who began her address in Navajo. She added, "America is our country, too, and Brown is our community."

San Jacinto

I submit that instead of recognizing Columbus Day as a Hemet or San Jacinto holiday, why not have a "First Peoples Day" in honor of the Native Americans of the area and of the first settlers of the Valley?

In the great outdoor play "Ramona," the stories of the first people of the Valley - Native Americans, Spaniards, and the early settlers - are vividly depicted, bringing the audience back in time where deep tradition, culture, and values dominate the lives of the people.

There are two benefits in commemorating a "First Peoples Day." First, with the growing population and changing demographics in the area, we also see a change in our community culture and values. By having a "First Peoples Day" holiday, we can instill the values that made this Valley great, onto the next generation of residents. Struggle for the good, tradition, partnerships, respect for elders, and faith in an almighty being are values we need to promote and preserve. Second, celebrating a "First Peoples Day," if well planned, is an economic development tool. By bringing "Ramona" to life, in the streets of Hemet and San Jacinto, we can attract more tourists and businesses on that day and can even create a true identity for the city. Imagine in spring, a "First Peoples Day" holiday, in the Valley, with costumed horse riders, powwows and fiesta atmosphere all over. A day that kicks off the opening of the grand outdoor play "Ramona."

 

Full post as published by Never In Our Names on October 11, 2008 (boomark / email).