Today we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. It is a day to honor, reflect, and take action in solidarity with Indigenous communities across the country. Today we recognize the harmful effects that colonialism has had and continues to have on native communities, centuries of persecution, and the genocide of indigenous peoples’ across the Americas.
This year also marks the first time a U.S. president has officially recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day. President Biden issued a proclamation marking Oct. 11 as a day to honor Native Americans, their resilience and their contributions to American society throughout history, even as they faced assimilation, discrimination and genocide spanning generations.
On the Central Coast we celebrate our neighbors the Chumash, Salinian, Esselen, Tataviam, Costanoan, and Yokuts tribes whose ancestral homelands include the Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument. There are several things we can do to celebrate today including learning about indigenous cultures, donating to indigenous rights organizations, and supporting native artisans, nonprofits, or businesses. Below are a few links to help:
Educate Yourself on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2021: 5 Ways to Honor the Holiday
12 Books by Indigenous Writers to Read this Indigenous Peoples Day
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