Columbus Day is properly celebrated in the United States as a national day of mourning, a day to remember and repent from all the violence against Native Americans that began with Columbus and continued across the centuries. Perhaps we can begin with listening.
Which Native voices inform how you see the world?
Interesting ! I never knew that Columbus Day is the day of mourning and repent from all the violence against Native Americans.
Chief Seattle
I do not believe this statement is correct. Columbus Day has always been celebrated as the founding of America and the man who discovered it. A national day of mourning, ????? please.
Regarding the belief systems of Native Americans, I have found the belief by some tribes in the beginning of their heritage based upon their ancestors emerging from the earth itself something to ponder. Their sense of being part of the earth is an interesting concept to consider. Is this a less than human species concept or is it one that establishes human relationships to a very elemental idea? As I remember a thought in the Jewish/ Christian bible, the making of “man’ was done by a maker using a handful or mass of earth. Perhaps these two ideas have a relationship that “we” as the “other” should consider as a binding tie between Native Americans and other spiritual belief systems that are used in our nation.
I felt particularly drawn to the “occupy” movement as the first nations people stood up for themselves regarding basic rights that, by virtue of being human, they have a right to, such as clean water and adequate housing. I also feel/stand in solidarity with the many first nations bands who are opposing pipeline expansion and the further development of mines in several of their lands/territories. I believe preservation of our Eco system has to start coming before economics!