For too many of us, Columbus Day has become yet another Monday holiday: a welcome respite from our work, perhaps, but in no way a commemoration of any particular person or event. This may be a good thing, if we have at last set aside the old myths about Admiral Columbus having “discovered America.” If we have finally stopped reinforcing archaic and racist notions about the first inhabitants of the Americas, just another Monday holiday may be a good thing, and a sign of progress.
A better thing might be to rename the day and recast it with the aim of honoring at last those who first dwelled in the “New World.” A more appropriate designation might be “Indigenous Peoples Day,” or “Native Americans Day.”
Whatever name is chosen, it would be a fitting day to celebrate the people who first inhabited the land and remain today as living, vibrant cultures. Whatever we call it, this renamed holiday would be an excellent time for us all to learn not only about the rich heritage of America’s indigenous peoples, but also about the lives and accomplishments of contemporary Native Americans.
For 500 years, people of European descent have sought to teach Native Americans to be more like Europeans. The ravages of boarding school life on young native students are well-documented. Eurocentric practices of public schools and other institutions, including churches, have conspired to silence native tongues, erase treasured customs, and ban religious practices. Consequently, portions of Native American culture have vanished, incalculable knowledge has been lost forever and priceless wisdom has faded.
Yet there is hope. Through the tenacious efforts of tribal elders, native scholars and a (belatedly) enlightened academic community, many indigenous groups have managed to preserve great portions of their cultures. Recent years have seen a resurgence in native dance, crafts and song. Reflecting the dynamism that has always characterized indigenous culture, younger Native Americans are creating new traditions based on ancient customary practices and beliefs.
Non-natives would do well to open their eyes and their minds to the richness of native culture and knowledge. Contrary to stereotyped images too-often reinforced in schools and popular media, America’s first inhabitants had a sophisticated understanding of the sciences. Native expertise in predicting weather, conservation of resources and healing were based on keen observation, critical thinking and generations of experimentation.
Although often characterized in Western literature and scholarship as “primitive” and “heathen,” Native Americans have a rich and genuine spirituality. Their ethical codes and values systems are, in fact, quite congruent with those of Western traditions, emphasizing respect, honesty, service to others and reverence for creation. Significantly, Native American religions are typically respectful of other beliefs, in marked contrast to the practices of many whose mission was mass conversion.
A reframed October holiday might become a day of reconciliation for all residents and visitors of Maine. Finally abandoning the Columbus myth, we might reach out to one another, not out of guilt or shame for sins past, but in the hope of better understanding now and in the future. There are many opportunities for outreach.
This week, for example, Maine residents and visitors alike have a wonderful opportunity to learn about the lives and traditions of the Wabanaki people. Beginning Tuesday, members of several Maine tribes will gather at the University of Maine, Augusta for a four-day event called “Wabanaki Perspectives and Human Awareness.” Wabanaki citizens will join Native American students to share the stories, songs, dances and crafts that are part of traditional and contemporary Wabanaki culture.
The state of Maine, recognizing a deficiency in its K-12 educational system, passed a law in 2001 requiring teaching about Wabanaki tribal governments and political systems, their cultural systems, their territories and economic systems. Parents and guardians can ask what the school is doing to fulfill the requirements of Wabanaki studies. To reinforce what your child’s school teaches about the Wabanaki, ask your child what s/he is learning about the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation.
America was not discovered by a European and his crew. Hundreds of indigenous nations existed at the time of European contact. Let’s remake this holiday into something both indigenous and non-indigenous people can celebrate.
A veteran Alaskan educator, the Rev. Dr. Richard Tardiff is co-chair of the Episcopal Committee on Indian Relations, part of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine. He serves the Parish of St. Andrew and St. John in Southwest Harbor.