Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day

A holiday on the second Monday of October to refute the lie that Columbus discovered America (not only were there already millions of people living here for tens of thousands of years during the time of his arrival, he actually never came 'inland' as most people imagine, sticking instead to the West Indies), and to diminish the idea that he is someone deserving of praise rather than murdering rapist that he really was would probably be a wonderful gesture IF it indeed cancelled Columbus Day in lieu of residing alongside it, as more of a footnote to appease the rebellious who insist on trying to taint the beloved Italian...

Nonetheless, whether it is empty or not, we will speak for the voiceless today as we do EVERYDAY. We understand that it means a lot for many to be acknowledged publicly to whatever degree, and we stand in solidarity. To learn more about the purpose of IDP and find events happening in your area simply Google 'Indigenous Peoples' Day events' with your state and/or city.

Following are some links to articles and sites to also help you learn more.

It's Time for the Federal Government to Say Goodbye to Columbus Day

Guest: Today is a time to celebrate, but also acknowledge painful shared history with the Freedman

Unlearning Columbus Day Myths: Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day

MMIP advocates prepare for Indigenous Peoples' Day event

COWARDS!

I’ve been training my whole life for this fight

So step aside, you’ve got no game

Punk panty wearing bastards talking

When cowardice is their claim to fame

They mean absolutely nothing

Their sea of “knowledge” is desert dry

Yet the masses never seek validity

Don’t you ever wonder why??

They’re far more interested in posing

Like they’re “spiritual”

More concerned with ceremonies

And pagan rituals

Only wanting to be “seen”

When they were invisible before my son

Feared as incestuous abominations

No men to protect them- apparently not one!

Then from the kindness of my heart

I sent the investment that I

raised

They’d have nothing we’re it not for him

Yet silence it what they praise!

Others challenge it’s their cowardice

That causes them to not stand tall

That I should never expect too much

Because whites have cut and ground their balls

But I demand of what is owed

A return on what I graciously loaned

Did you think I’d simply cry a bit

Then retreat to a mournful home???

Hell NO! I will have fair retribution!!

And each of you who played a part

The murderers themselves as well as

Those who knew and yet did naught!

You will face The Light and pay a token

Until we receive all that we’re due

So keep on with your lies and rumors-

Misinformation- like you love to do

But understand HE WILL NOT BE ERASED

And you all will lose all that you’ve bet

I’m on my Mamie shit now

And you haven’t seen a damn thing yet!

Some Ways to Acknowledge Orange Shirt Day This Year

If you have never heard of 'Orange Shirt Day' you can read more about where it stems from here. After doing so you will have a far better idea of ways you may help in getting the word out, educating others, and honoring the lives and histories of First Nations People. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

1) Wear an orange shirt and use as a springboard to talk to relatives, friends, classmates, and co-workers about the day and why it is important.

2) Make social media posts bringing awareness to industrial schools, and links to further information.

3) Make full videos and/or video shorts explaining about the day. Don't forget to hashtag!

4) Create a colorful infographic and text/DM it to all your contacts. Instruct all of them to send it to at least 5 of their own contacts. (This will also work with a flyer that you post in stores, libraries, or school bulletin board.)

5) For educators: Teach a lesson to your class about industrial schools, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and for extra credit have them write a paragraph or two about what they learned.

6) For students: Get permission from your teacher or professor to talk to your classmates about industrial schools, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Give everyone a piece of chocolate or something else small and tasty so each time they eat that same thing they will recall what you taught them.

7) For homeschoolers: Have your child/homeschool group watch a video about industrial schools or survivors of industrial schools. Afterwards, have them do a creative project explaining what they have learned or what they think about what they have learned. Also, if possible, have a knowledgeable Indigenous person visit and talk to your group about the impact of industrial schools.

For more information and to ask how you may help visit : orangeshirtday.org

M. Ansari