10/12/2026
Today we honor Indigenous Peoples' Day-- a day to recognize the resilience and diversity of Indigenous Peoples in the United States.
❌ Why Not Columbus Day?
European contact resulted in devastating loss of life, disruption of tradition, and enormous loss of lands for Indigenous Peoples in the Americas. It is estimated that in the 130 years following first contact, Native America lost 95% of its population.
Celebrating Columbus and other explorers like him dismisses the devasting losses experienced by Indigenous Peoples of the Western Hemisphere in the past and the ongoing effects of colonialism today.
https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/informational/columbus-day-myths
✅ What do I celebrate instead?
This Indigenous Peoples' Day, I celebrate the resilience and perseverance of of the Catawba People as well as the over 500 other Native Tribes throughout our Nation.
I celebrate my family-- past, present, and future-- who have carried on our traditions, history, and culture despite the trials and obstacles put in our way.
Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day 💕
Photo: My 3rd great-grandmother, Rachel Brown
Credit: Harrington 1908
