Hey there,
When I was growing
up, the 2nd Monday in October was Columbus Day. But in recent decades celebrating Christopher Columbus has been questioned.
So in typical Minnesota fashion--whether you agree or not--in 2019, Governor Walz declared the 2nd Monday in October has Indigenous People's Day. In
2021 President Biden followed suit declaring that Indigenous People's Day was an acceptable alternative to Columbus Day.
Honestly, sometimes I wonder if a proclamation of a holiday is a good way of spending our President's time. I think I've come to the point that yes, it
is.
The proclamation directs our attention to notice each other. It's not perfect, and it's kind of weird to have the President say, "Go ahead and celebrate different people." It's not weird because I don't think they matter. It's weird because it's like waiting for
our dad to tell us its okay to be good.
However, I do know that when we feel seen, we feel part of a community. And when we are in community together, we care more for each other.
So yes. It's worth it. And it has only taken me a couple of years to get used to saying Indigenous People's Day instead of Columbus Day.
We have created a
guide to help you learn more and celebrate the Dakota and Anishinaabe peoples from Minnesota.