Monday, October 14, is Columbus Day, and Indigenous People’s Day. This reality could take us into a painful place, if we allow it. Is it possible to celebrate both and recognize them both? Let’s look into it.
The states that celebrate Indigenous Peoples or Native Americans are Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin and Washington D.C.
Columbus Day
Let’s see what Awareness Days says about the history of Columbus day:
“The history of Columbus Day dates back to the late 18th century when Italian-Americans began celebrating Christopher Columbus’s voyages as a way to honor their heritage and contributions to American society. In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed Columbus Day as a national holiday, recognizing its historical significance.
“While Columbus Day is celebrated in the United States, it is worth noting that its observance has evolved over time and is subject to debate and discussion regarding its historical context and impact on Indigenous communities.”
Our Evolution
We have seen continuous changes in our collective consciousness as we begin to manifest a balanced and just world. This land was taken in a process called colonization. As our ancestors came to the United States the Native Americans were pushed into reservations and forced to assimilate into an entirely different culture than the one they had been enjoying. As the European-descended people of the US built their world, they also began to realize what wrongs had been done on their behalf.
There is, within all of us, a desire for morality and justice in our world. It was that desire that brought an end to slavery. The people also saw to it that the Native Americans received reparations. And, a few years ago, the people began to question whether the arrival of Columbus should be celebrated. We are left with that question today as we reach October 14.
Indigenous People’s Day
Let’s see what Wikipedia says about Indigenous People’s Day:
“Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday in the United States that celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It is celebrated across the United States on the second Monday in October, and is an official city and state holiday in various localities. It began as a counter-celebration held on the same day as the U.S. federal holiday of Columbus Day, which honors Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. Some people do not observe Columbus Day at all, citing the lasting harm Indigenous tribes suffered because of Columbus’s contributions to the European colonization of the Americas.”
Appreciating Both
Can we appreciate the European explorers who first sailed to the Americas Region and opened the way for our government’s founders while also appreciating the Indigenous Americans who suffered loss at their arrival?
We are very grateful for the principles of freedom that the founders created the US Government upon. It is these principles that have fed our evolution and will continue to feed our evolution. Because of a natural love for individual freedom, justice and equality we see wrongs done as something we must and will correct.
The B Corporation concept is, within itself, a commitment to correct the corporate ‘profit above all’ mindset. The B Corporation is committed to respect and appreciate all employees and not only treat them fairly, but in fact commit to them as stakeholders. The B Corporation also considers the clients, community and environment to be stakeholders in the company.
We can be grateful that the founders of America, brought here through the explorations of Columbus, created a government structure that embraces freedom and justice for all. And we can be grateful for all of the wisdom and natural beauty of Native American Peoples. We appreciate that Native Americans have maintained some of their culture and have shared their wisdom with us.
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AMS Fulfillment is a Certified B Corporation, dedicated to People and Planet before Profit. We work to B the Change we wish to see in the world.
