NALU October 13, 2008: "Un-celebrating" Columbus Day
Quick Quiz:
1. Where did the idea of Columbus Day get started and why?
2. What state is the first and only one (so far!) to abolish Columbus Day and change it to Native American Day?
(See answers below)
Columbus Day
The Columbus Day holiday provides an opportunity to ask questions about how Native Americans were treated in Columbus's time and how members of Congress continue to ignore their needs today. New Native American Program Assistant Karyn Wingard-Manuel has shared her view on the celebration of Columbus Day on the FCNL intern blog, Of Peace and Politics. I hope you'll find a few minutes on October 13 to acknowledge the atrocities Native Americans have faced throughout the history of this country and to think about ways to persuade Congress to honor the promises made in the numerous treaties with Indian nations.
Good News: Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act Passes
The 110th Congress passed legislation to increase housing assistance. The bill also gives Indian Country more authority to disperse housing resources in the ways that best fit each tribe's needs. This legislation is a step toward fuller recognition of Native American sovereignty.
Bad News: The Indian Health Improvement Act Doesn't Pass
Legislation that would have modernized and expanded the health care services available to Native Americans once again stalled in a morass of last-minute business in the 110th Congress. There is still a slight possibility that the House will come back into session in November for at least a few days and that the bill can be brought up again then. If not, the 111th Congress begins in only a couple of months.
Take Action
Write your representatives and candidates for Congress about the need to address health care for Native Americans in any remaining days in the 110th Congress, or as soon as they can in the 111th Congress. For help with your letter, visit FCNL's action center.
Quiz Answers:
1. Columbus Day started in Denver over a hundred years ago. It is thought that politicians started the holiday in order to gain support from Italian immigrants. The United States first recognized Columbus Day as a federal holiday in 1971.
2. South Dakota
P.S. A careful reader pointed out important details about last month's quiz.
1. What Native American tribe was most influential to the founding fathers in their implementation of the U.S. Constitution and government?
Both the Wendat and the Iroquois Confederacies influenced the founding fathers in national governance. The question is misleading because it asks for a particular tribe. In fact both the Iroquois and Wendat Confederacies are made up of many nations or "tribes."
2. What state has the largest number of Native Americans?
In Alaska, indigenous peoples are commonly referred to as "Native Alaskans," not "Native Americans."