For students who grow up in the United States, "learning" about Native Americans and American colonialism is required in the majority of social studies and history curricula. I put quotations around learning because, in fact, most lesson plans gloss over the pain and demolition that was caused by European forces and instead paint a picture of American heroism and salvation. Although U.S. history is full of the deculturalization and dehumanization of numerous native groups, and the exploitation of their lands, resources, and peoples, Americans maintain the notion that we are a country of freedom and not a country of terror, suppression, or slavery.

Every year on the second Monday in October, I am reminded of this fact when I get the day off from school for the federal holiday of Columbus Day. While everyone is excited that they can sleep in and not go to class, over the years I have thought more and more about the implications of having this holiday and what we as Americans are truly celebrating. Why was Columbus so important that he had to have a day named after him? And what does this day say about our country's values?

Acknowledged as one of the leaders of European expansion into the "New World," Christopher Columbus theoretically has his day in our calendar in order to be recognized as someone who discovered America. In reality, though, Columbus represents much more than finding new land for Spain: he represents one of the first phases in an invasion of a people's territory, the spread of disease, the coercion and manipulation by European empires, and the killing of innocent human beings. Columbus is a reminder of white supremacy and racism, which led to forced Americanization of millions of Natives, the strict adherence to a Christian faith, and ultimately mass genocide. Yes, Columbus initiated the waves of immigration that were to come, bringing many of our ancestors along with him. And, yes, he does represent bravery, curiosity, and strength, qualities that we as a nation honor and admire. However, we must view both sides of the story and fill in the voices that have been silenced over the years because of American hegemonic ideals. The houses that were raided, children who were killed, families that were torn apart, languages that were lost, and stories that were forgotten deserve to have a place in history and on our minds, and that is ultimately the day that should be observed.

I love getting days off as much as the next person, but when its in celebration of something that I do not believe in, I cannot brush that off as if it is nothing. For me, this holiday is not Columbus Day: it is Indigenous Peoples' day, as it should be. I know that we should technically be celebrating Native Americans every day, not just once a year. However, at least on this one day we should set aside time to reflect on the profound loss for Native peoples and cultures and American society at large. We need to stop praising America and saying how far we have come because where we have reached is not good enough. Bravery, curiosity, and strength are all fine qualities, but if they are not used critically for the common good of all people, then what use do they really serve?

This Monday, October 10th, I encourage everyone to be honest with themselves and to think about the bad with the good. Reflect on what it means to be a true American, and do some research into our history from the point of view of those who never had a voice. Learn more about the Native groups that have survived, and follow them on their journey back to prosperity. Look back on the Native groups that we have lost and make a point to say, They aren't lost. I remember them. Question dominant ideologies and make a plan for what you can do to support social justice rather than passively agreeing with those who have "authority." And most of all, do not forget to relax. Because although it is so easy to get caught up in all of America's problems and feel anxious about what is to come, the fact that we are calling the holiday Indigenous Peoples' Day is already a step in the right direction, and we will always have hope.

Have a great long weekend. My heart is with you all.