A group of indigenous peoples committed to a diversity of tactics, strategies, actions and ideas that promote indigenous resurgence and resistance. We recognize that the colonization of our homelands began with Christopher Columbus. We believe that the political, historical, religious and legal legacies initiated by Columbus must be addressed in the process of decolonization.
"We must never forget the strength and sacrifices of our ancestors. It is their spirit of resistance and their courage to maintain our nations that make us who we are today. It is our responsibility to pass those lessons onto our children, relatives and other indigenous peoples."
Indigenous Peoples Day 2007
Indigenous Peoples Day, a day of commemoration and demonstration, will be held on October 6, 2007, in Denver, Colorado. Colorado was the first state to approve the Columbus holiday in 1907. One hundred years later, we are going to mark the day by reclaiming it for our ancestors, our relatives and the future generations. We are inviting all native people to join us in working to that end.
The legacy of Columbus, a legacy of colonization, continues to this day. The policies introduced by Columbus did not disappear with him. Those policies became embedded in legal doctrines and political institutions and are still used today to justify the theft of native lands. Columbus, then, is more than just a symbol for past injustices-he also represents present day policies of colonialism.
Native people have started moving beyond simply protesting against Columbus and are now using the day to rally, unite and demonstrate. Protests against Columbus, which started out as reactions to racist celebrations are now transforming into a process of decolonization- a liberation of the mind.
Some of the steps that we can take on the path to liberation are ones in which we begin describing our own history, taking action to improve present native conditions and working to create the future we want the coming generations to have. To walk this path requires courage, commitment and wisdom. Telling the true history of our people takes courage because we have to challenge colonial lies meant to justify the crimes committed against our people. Changing present day conditions, created by policies of colonization, will require a commitment to action. Wisdom is needed because the future generations will be shaped by the actions we take today.
The future starts with a single day. On at least one day of the year, Columbus Day, native people find common ground and stand united. On this day, we recognize our collective strength. On this day, we learn of our common struggles and create networks. On this day, we challenge the legitimacy of colonial policies and become energized to continue the struggle for self determination. This unity needs to extend beyond a single day and become something we all strive for.
We welcome any native person who wishes to participate in Indigenous Peoples Day 2007. We understand people may have their own vision for the most effective actions on that day so we are recognizing that there will be a diversity of tactics. All planning and organizing ideas are to be considered. Feel free to contact us via email.
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