Moving away from Columbus Day and embracing Indigenous Peoples Day

Oklahoma, our people and our communities are ready for a bold move that would rename the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day rather than Columbus Day. As the Principal Chief of the largest tribal government in Oklahoma and in the United States, I believe it is something that would honor the tribal people and tribal governments of Oklahoma.

We do not and will not recognize Columbus Day. The National Congress of American Indians has spearheaded the shift to Indigenous Peoples Day, and I applaud that effort. It is a truer and more accurate title because Native people had a history and heritage in the Americas long before Christopher Columbus set sail across the Atlantic. Since Columbus didn't actually discover a “New World,” why do we perpetuate this idea? Even more troubling is that history has shown us Columbus and his crew brutalized and murdered the Native people he encountered. We should no longer celebrate those highly inaccurate chapters of human history.

Instead we should honor the heritage, culture and values of Indian people, especially here in Oklahoma, the heart of Indian Country.

As Indian people, we have made and continue to make an undeniable impact in America, and that is particularly true in Oklahoma. The state’s 38 federally recognized tribes contribute more than $11 billion annually to the state's economy and tribal citizens represent about 10 percent of the state population. This gives Oklahoma one of the largest Native American populations in the United States.

The time is long overdue for this change. I hope other cities and municipalities will follow the lead of communities like Tahlequah, McAlester and Anadarko, who have embraced the change to Indigenous Peoples Day.  A shift from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day would show Oklahoma is a leader in honoring the culture, heritage and traditional lifeways of our ancestors, and acknowledge who Natives are today as a modern, sovereign governments.

Last year, our Cherokee Nation Tribal Council passed a resolution recognizing this day as Cherokee Nation Leadership Day. It is a way to honor the achievements and service of our leaders, scholars, entrepreneurs, military veterans and artists. Cherokee Nation Leadership Day acknowledges all those who paved the way and continue to create new paths to advance the tribe and improve the lives of the Cherokee people.

This year, we will again recognize Cherokee Nation Leadership Day simultaneously with Indigenous Peoples Day.

Reclaiming the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day would be a powerful and empowering move. We all know American Indians, including the Cherokee people, have contributed immensely to our communities, our state and to our great country. I believe this move is important and the right thing to do. I hope you will join me in supporting the transition away from Columbus Day and embrace Indigenous Peoples Day.