Exploring Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day

In 1937, congress declared the 2^nd Monday of October as Columbus Day, a national holiday to honor and celebrate Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer, who, we were told, discovered America. Since 1991, many state and local authorities, including Minnesota, have recognized that day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor and celebrate the history and contributions of Native Americans. And in 2021, President Biden issued a proclamation recognizing it, but not declaring it a national holiday. (Extrapolated from https://www.history.com/news/indigenous-peoples-day-history).

For this program, the Sunday before the 2^nd Monday of October, we will share what we were taught and what we believed about the European explorers and indigenous peoples, how our beliefs have evolved and why, and what children are now taught. Fellowship member Vicki Larson will facilitate.