EVOLVE Family Services Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day
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On October 9th, 2023, we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day at EVOLVE Family Services. This is a day to recognize the people, communities, and cultures that existed on the land long before Columbus arrived. While Columbus Day has historically been observed on this day, we are proud to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead.
It is important to recognize that the land we live on was not “settled” by European Americans in the way that many grew up thinking. The colonization and erasure of Indigenous Peoples’ cultures and communities have had devastating effects that are still being felt today. As an organization working in and alongside of the child welfare system, we are keenly aware of the horrific history and intentional separation of Indigenous children from their families. Minnesota has the highest rate of Indigenous Children in Foster Care. That’s why we are glad that the Supreme Court upheld ICWA earlier this year, which helps ensure that Indigenous children remain within their tribes, cultures, and communities.
We believe that Indigenous Peoples’ Day should be a State and more importantly a Federal Holiday, replacing Columbus Day. This would be a significant step towards bringing more awareness to the issues and accurately honoring the experience, history, and culture of Indigenous people. Minnesota and President Biden have proclaimed the day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and we encourage all states and more importantly the US Congress to officially change the day similar to other states.
We have provided some resources to help you learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day, including what Indigenous land you are on and what languages were spoken. We also recommend supporting the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition’s mission; To lead in the pursuit of understanding and addressing the ongoing trauma created by the U.S. Indian Boarding School policy.
You can advocate for the passage of the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act. This bill has been amended and passed unanimously out of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and is being prepared for a full Senate vote.
We hope that you will join us in honoring the Indigenous cultures in Minnesota, and the land and people who were here before us. You can do this by giving a voluntary property tax, which encourages property owners and renters to make a contribution in honor of the Dakota land that was taken from broken and forced land treaties.
Let’s continue to learn and grow in our understanding of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and work towards a better future for all.
Resources
Read and find more resources on Truth and Healing Coalition.
Find ways to observe and honor the Indigenous cultures in MN.
Teaching resources about Indigenous Peoples day from the MN Department of Education.
Help continue to get rid of Indigenous Peoples’ use as mascots.
Visit the Minneapolis American Indian Center.
